The current front-runner to be the next Newcastle United boss is Roberto Martinez.
According to the Sun, the Magpies have made contact with the Spaniard as the search for Rafa Benitez’s replacement steps up a gear. Mike Ashley reportedly wants a manager with Premier League experience, and Martinez certainly has that.
His last job in England was with Everton, which went sour after a sensational first season at Goodison Park. He was sacked by the Toffees in May 2016.
Three months later, he was back on the touchline, this time taking charge of the Belgium national team. It was a strange appointment, with the Belgian FA trusting Martinez to lead their golden generation to glory.
And they did well at the World Cup, finishing third.
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If you’re an international manager, the only thing that matters is the major tournaments that occur every two years. So if you’re Martinez, why would you want to leave ahead of Euro 2020?
Belgium will go into the tournament as one of the favourites, giving Martinez a chance to cement his legacy.
If the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne can get the job done for their manager, he’ll see his stock rise dramatically. He could have the pick of the big jobs come next summer.
And if not, teams the size of Newcastle will still be keen. Martinez has a decent reputation for playing nice football, which is what most fans want. It’s probably worth the risk of sticking it out for another year with Belgium.
But if Martinez does fancy a return to club management, then maybe Newcastle have made a move at the perfect time (if you ignore the absolute state of chaos at the club).
In 12 months time, Martinez might consider himself to be above Newcastle, should things go his way at the Euros. But right now, the move might appeal to him.
Newcastle have either got it very right or very wrong. The soap opera football continues.