Paul Merson suggests Newcastle are ‘a million miles away’ from hiring new manager
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Newcastle United could be ‘a million miles away’ from hiring a new manager according to Arsenal icon Paul Merson. The club became the richest in the world after it was bought by a Saudi-led consortium during the international break.
And that has led a string of rumours to emerge which suggest the club could be about to sack manager Steve Bruce.
Bruce has been in charge of the Magpies since 2019 but has become an unpopular figure in the north east due to his conservative style of football.
The Magpies are yet to win this season and began the weekend second bottom of the Premier League table.
Brendan Rodgers appeared to be in the driving seat to land the top job at St James’ Park before ruling out a move this week, while Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have also been tipped to be in the frame.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte and Lucien Favre have been among the foreign managers linked to the post, while there are suggestions former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is now the number one target.
“I think they might be a million miles away from getting someone at the moment,” Merson told Sky Sports as he discussed Newcastle’s lack of managerial action since the takeover was confirmed.
“What an opportunity for a manager,” replied former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson. “But why hasn’t it been done?”
Meanwhile, Clinton Morrison, who racked up 137 goals during a 20-year professional career, echoed Merson’s sentiments.
“If they were thinking [of appointing a new manager], I think they would have had him in this week. I don’t think they’d care about Steve Bruce.
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“You’ve just been took over, the fans are going to be buzzing over the takeover – introduce the new manager.”
Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, Newcastle released a statement to confirm that Bruce will indeed be in charge for the match – his 1000th professional game as a manager.
“We have had an extremely busy week reviewing the business and getting to know people and it is imperative that we continue to be patient and considered in our approach,” said new Newcastle director Amanda Staveley after her company PCP Capital Partners took a ten per cent stake as part of the takeover.
“Change does not always happen overnight – it demands time and that we follow a carefully considered plan and strategy.
“We met Steve and the players on Monday and have given them the time and space this week to focus on preparing for what is a very important game on Sunday.
“Steve has been very professional in our dealings with him and he and his coaching team will take the team on Sunday.”
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