Danny Murphy has shared that Roberto Martinez suits the Newcastle United job because of his past experiences, as he told talkSPORT.
Steve Bruce is still in the St James’ Park dugout, but that hasn’t stopped talk that he will, sooner rather than later, be heading for the Newcastle exit door, as reported by Sky Sports.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will be looking to make a number of statements after taking control of the club.
The early one they can make is by sacking Bruce and replacing him with a big-name in the dugout.
Names, left, right and centre have been linked, including Belgium boss Martinez, who also managed Swansea, Wigan and Everton during his time in England.
Given that the 48-year-old has battled relegation and worked with big players, Murphy thinks he is more suited to that role.
“I suppose the one who springs to mind whilst we are actually talking,” said Murphy. “Martinez, who spent many years at Wigan, having that fight. I know he has been linked with it.
“He is also worked with top players. He has also worked with (Greame Jones). He also worked with Everton, where he got them playing for a season and producing good football.
“But he has been out of it for a while. I think Bruce will go and they will bring someone in.”
In 2013, Martinez shocked the world when his Wigan side beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
A team of star-studded players were dethroned by a team that probably wasn’t even worth 20% of what Man City had spent on their players.
That road followed him to Merseyside to manage Everton, where things started well for him, but it soon went wrong and he was sacked by the club.
Perhaps that job at Goodison Park, and how things panned out, will be off-putting for the Toon Army faithful, who will feel they can get a bigger name through their doors.
Plus, with the Qatar World Cup around the corner, Martinez will be wanting to guide Belgium through that, so his priorities might just be elsewhere.
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