Bruce was reportedly Newcastle’s 11th choice, but how are the 10 other managers doing?

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Newcastle did the unthinkable this summer, swapping Rafa Benitez for Steve Bruce.

He was the man no one wanted, and reports suggested that even the Newcastle hierarchy had eyes elsewhere. According to the Daily Mail, Bruce was the Magpies’ 11th choice to replace Benitez as manager.

But how are the 10 managers that Newcastle wanted ahead of our current boss getting on?

Jose Mourinho

The Special One was never going to take over. His name was thrown around a lot during the BZG takeover saga, but that was as far as it got.

Mourinho is still unemployed, having recently turned down the Lyon job. He’s been a pundit for Sky Sports, reminding the nation that he actually does still know a lot about football.

Mikel Arteta

My first choice to become Newcastle’s next manager, Arteta stayed put as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.  The former Everton midfielder was reportedly put off the job by Benitez, continuing to be a thorn in Mike Ashley’s side despite leaving.

As for Arteta, Man City are still one of the best teams in the world, but are already eight points behind Liverpool in the title race.

Patrick Vieira

The former Arsenal captain was also in contention, but stayed faithful to Nice. His loyalty was rewarded, with Nice being taken over by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who reportedly considered buying Newcastle.

While Vieira didn’t leave Nice for Newcastle, Allan Saint-Maximin did, for which we are very grateful. Nice are doing alright in Ligue 1, currently ninth after nine games.

Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez was never going to become Newcastle manager. He’s still the Belgium boss, and has a chance at winning a major international tournament next summer at Euro 2020.

The Red Devils have won all seven of their qualifiers so far, most recently beating San Marino 9-0. Why on earth would he have swapped that for Newcastle?

Sean Dyche

The gravel-toned boss has a fan in Lee Charnley, but money stopped him from becoming the next Newcastle manager. According to the Chronicle, it would have cost the Magpies £10 million to prize Dyche away from Burnley.

He’s doing well in the Premier League once again, with the Clarets sitting in seventh, four points ahead of Newcastle.

Sam Allardyce

A former Newcastle manager, Allardyce confirmed that he had turned down the job whilst on TalkSPORT.

Would his appointment have been worse than Bruce? For me, yes. Big Sam is still out of work, regularly appearing on TalkSPORT.

Garry Monk

In an interesting twist of fate, Monk is back in management thanks to the Newcastle boss. Bruce controversially left Sheffield Wednesday, creating a vacancy at Hillsborough.

Monk eventually got the job and is doing decent, with the Owls currently in eight place, just three points behind league leaders West Brom.

Chris Hughton

Another former Newcastle boss, Hughton was a popular figure at St James’ Park, and would’ve been welcomed back with open arms…probably.

Hughton had just lost his job after a poor season with Brighton, and is still unemployed.

Eddie Howe

This was never going to happen. Eddie Howe is one of the highest rated young managers in English football and has been tipped for some of the biggest jobs in the country. Why would he effectively take a step down to Newcastle?

His Bournemouth side are currently ahead of the Magpies by three points.

Mark Hughes

Last and probably least, Mark Hughes’ name is always in the frame when a job becomes available. A lot of fans, myself included, were worried he’d be the man to take Rafa’s place even before the Spaniard left.

Hughes has been out of work since he was sacked by Southampton last season, but has been linked with the currently vacant Reading job.