Report names three leading contenders to be next Newcastle manager; there’s a problem with all three – opinion

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According to the Times, Steven Gerrard, Unai Emery and Roberto Martinez are the three leading contenders to be the next Newcastle manager.

It is surely only a matter of time before Steve Bruce is relieved of his duties.

The 60-year-old got the opportunity to take charge of his 1000th game in management on Sunday, and it was a typical Bruce performance.

Newcastle started well like they often have done, geared on by a loud and proud Toon Army. But the wheels quickly fell off and the new owners saw with their own eyes why Newcastle are in the relegation zone.

And if they still weren’t sure what the big problem is, fans let them know by chanting ‘we want Brucey out’.

The manager needs to go. It’s been clear for a long time. The media may try and spin it that he’s done a good job and he’s been treated poorly, but we the fans know the truth. We’re the ones who’ve been watching his sorry excuse for ‘football’ for the past two years.

The three leading contenders named by the Times would certainly be an improvement on Bruce, but there is one big issue surrounding each of them.

Who will be the next Newcastle manager?

Deciding who replaces Bruce is a huge decision for the new owners. Despite their incredible investment plans, the club are still battling relegation. One wrong decision could prolong the battle to avoid the drop.

That’s why they need to take their time. But in the same vein, they’ve seen how poor Bruce is, they can’t just leave him in charge.

That puts the owners in a difficult situation. They need to act quick, but take their time and pick the right man… Sounds easy, right?

Gerrard, Martinez or Emery would certainly be welcome on Tyneside.

From a personal perspective, Gerrard would be the most exciting choice of the three. He’s a young manager who plays good football and will command respect from players who probably idolise him.

Martinez has the most Premier League experience, managing Wigan and Everton. However, the Spaniard has often flattered to deceive. Things fizzled out at Everton, while with Belgium he’s failed to deliver success with the golden generation.

Finally you’ve got Emery, whose reputation took a hammering at Arsenal.

You can make arguments for and against for each candidate. However, there is one big problem with all three – they are all currently employed elsewhere.

Gerrard is with Rangers, Martinez is Belgium boss and Emery is back in Spain with Villarreal.

That makes appointing any of them a little bit more difficult and time consuming. Compensation would need to be negotiated, while enticing them to walk away from their current employers to come to St James’ Park might not be easy.

And with another game coming on Saturday against Crystal Palace, fans will be desperate to see a new man in the dugout. Or rather, anyone but Steve Bruce.

While the new owners won’t want to rush things at this early stage, they must know that the club can’t carry on with Bruce. But will they be able to find a replacement within the next five days? I’m not so sure.