Journalist says Newcastle’s owners already have an idea to replace the next manager after Bruce

Follow us on Google Discover

Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles has shared an update on the managerial situation at Newcastle United.

It’s no secret that the Magpies are looking to replace Steve Bruce in the near future, but Castles is led to believe that the new owners at St James’ Park are already thinking about getting rid of whoever Bruce’s replacement is.

Indeed, Castles says that the Tyneside club are simply looking for a manager who can steady the ship right now and keep United in the Premier League, then they will look for a more ambitious target next summer when survival is guaranteed.

What’s been said?

Castles shared how Newcastle’s owners feel about the manager role.

“What they feel is the priority for this season is to retain their Premier League status. They want a coach who can come in and immediately deliver results and stay in the league comfortably this season. The view is that next season is the one, after a significant summer spend, but not the type of summer spend that is being talked about, there will not be the biggest names in football chased by Newcastle United, after that spend they will want to qualify for Europe next season,” Castles said.

“Therefore, they are thinking they might take someone who can guarantee survival this season but be changed in the summer when that survival is in place and when they have a better handle on the organisation of the club.”

Smart strategy

This is a smart strategy by the new owners.

Yes, we always hear about how managers need time to build long-term projects, but right now, Newcastle have a short-term goal and that’s staying up.

We’ve seen some talented managers relegated from the Premier League before, the likes of Roberto Martinez, David Moyes and even Gareth Southgate have taken teams down in the past, while gaffers such as Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis have consistently battled against the odds to keep teams up.

Are we saying Newcastle should appoint any of the above? Of course we’re not, but they can’t afford to go with style over substance at this point, that’s a move they can look at in the summer.