Newcastle line up former Man United boss to rescue sinking ship
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Steve McClaren was serenaded with chants about his job security towards the end of Newcastle’s 3-1 home loss to Bournemouth. If that was nothing new for a manager that has failed to spark the Magpies this term, that it came from the St James’ Park faithful was particularly concerning.
McClaren, who finds his squad sat in 19th place in the Premier League with 10 games to go, remained defiant that he will see the season out in the north east following the jarring defeat. However, his wish may not be granted as the morning papers are lined with speculation on his future.
According to the Sunday Telegraph, David Moyes is being lined up to take over the Magpies, who are one point from safety and have lost their last three games.
Ladbrokes rate the black and white wearers at 4/7 to go down, but those odds would receive a boost if the former Manchester United tactician arrives to steady the ship.
The Scot has been out of work since being sacked by Real Sociedad in November, with the Spanish outfit pulling the plug just 11 games into the current season while hovering above La Liga’s own drop zone in 16th.
Trying to inspire a turnaround in fortunes at Newcastle in just 10 games is a tough task for Moyes, especially as McClaren suggested many of his players don’t seem to have the stomach for the fight after the Bournemouth loss.
It could be argued that the arrival of a new manager would fire those ailing players into life. In addition, the small gap between the Geordies and survival is one that could easily be overturned with a few wins.
What Mike Ashley must decide is whether the upheaval is worth the risk. He’d obviously have to pay the current manager out of his contract.
He would also have to weigh up whether any of the playing squad would be willing to ply their trade in the Championship. Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsened certainly didn’t sign up for that when joining in January.
A far more likely scenario is Ashley parting ways with McClaren at the end of the season, then finding a replacement based on their league status.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
