Jol leaves Ajax and could be immediately named new Toon boss
Published:Martin Jol has emerged as one of the frontrunners at 5/4 to take over at Newcastle after sensationally leaving Dutch giants Ajax on the same day that the Magpies parted company with Chris Hughton.
Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley had earlier been made favourites to be named Newcastle’s sixth manager in three years, but this was before Jol had decided that the expectations placed on him at Ajax were too high and it was the right time to step down.
However, it remains unclear whether Jol actually wants the job at St James’ Park and if he would be prepared to take over when his former Tottenham assistant boss left the club in seemingly harsh circumstances.
Pardew and Curbishley were both backed into 2/1 yesterday, but with more money seeing the former shorten to 4/5, Curbishley has drifted to 6/1.
The question mark over Pardew is that Newcastle wanted a manager with more Premier League experience than Hughton and although the former West Ham and Charlton boss fits the criteria, it is arguable whether these spells were successful.
Meanwhile, Jol has stated in the past his intention to manage in the Premier League again following a largely successful spell at Tottenham.
Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley will be keen to name a quick successor to Hughton and may even want a replacement in time for their next Premier League game at home to Liverpool.
However, if they are thinking of appointing Jol then they may want to wait, as his record against Liverpool as Spurs boss was not the best.
He did not win in seven meetings and managed only one goal in his three home games.
Newcastle’s betting odds are 2/1 to beat Liverpool, while the visitors are 11/10 to leave with the three points.
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