Newcastle’s manager position has seen numerous people linked with the role, and it seems that they could be being used as a pawn for those at clubs to get better deals.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was one of the more recent names linked with the job, with rumours earlier in the summer that he was considering his future at the Blades.
But lo and behold, a very short time after the rumours surfaced in the public domain, Wilder signs a three years contract extension.
Roll back a week or so. Patrick Vieira is linked with the St James’ Park hotseat, amid talk he may be interested.
A couple of days later, and he is publicly distancing himself, with Nice set to offer him a new deal to fend off any doubts over his future.
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How many more times is this going to happen?
It may be that these managers are not really in the frame at all, and just have savvy agents who are putting their names out to get their client an increased budget or contract improvement.
Newcastle are no longer a big draw for big name managers
Newcastle used to be a club that everyone wanted to manage. Not anymore.
That so many potential managers are turning their backs on the chance to come here, or distancing themselves from any approach, shows just how far the club have fallen under the twisted ownership of Mike Ashley.
The cat seems to be well and truly out of the bag with the unrest, penny-pinching and ludicrous transfer policy on Tyneside, and managers – or their agents – are simply not willing to work for a man who wants them to do a job with one hand tied behind their back.
Time rumbles towards the start of the season, and an appointment needs making. The worry is that this rushed appointment may actually see an extremely underwhelming Steve Bruce-type manager put in place.
It is a hard life being a Newcastle United fan!