Last week Feyenoord manager Jaap Stam claimed he spurned the chance to be Newcastle manager in the summer, and a week later, he has resigned from his current role.
Newcastle refuted the claims of the former Manchester United centre-back, with the Chronicle citing “senior club sources” as denying any approach to Stam was made.
Stam told Dutch magazine Voetbal International, when asked about Newcastle: “You have been informed, because it is correct. Newcastle United reported a few days after I signed my signature at Feyenoord. So it was not an option right away.”
But just seven days on, and Stam has left the Eredivise side, despite only losing three league games, but too many draws mean the side have picked up just 14 points from a possible 33, and sit 12th in the table.
Newcastle may have had a lucky escape by not appointing Stam
So whether Newcastle had made an approach or not, it seems as though it may have been a bullet dodged by the Magpies.
Managers are under much more pressure and scrutiny in the Premier League than they are in many of Europe’s continental leagues, and if Stam cannot be a success at one of the higher profile Dutch clubs, it is doubtful he would have what it takes in England’s top division.
Stam’s reign at Feyenoord lasted just 120 days, and although many Toon fans may not have wanted Stam in charge at Newcastle, I am sure some of them will wish our current manager had the same principles to walk away from a job he is clearly not up to.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
