Chris Wilder and Eddie Howe would be part of the conversation if Newcastle United look into replacing Steve Bruce as manager at St James’ Park, according to Chronicle Live.
Bruce’s position in the dugout is under threat after a poor start to the season for the North East outfit. The Magpies are one of four sides yet to win a Premier League fixture ahead of hosting Leeds on Friday.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites are another of the top-flight’s winless quartet but, unlike the Toon, sit outside the bottom three. Leeds have two points from four games after a pair of draws, while Newcastle have taken one point from 12.
Only 2020/21 Championship title-winners Norwich City have failed to take any points from their opening four Premier League fixtures. Yet no side has conceded more than Newcastle, with Bruce’s men shipping 12 to five scored.
The St James’ Park side also exited the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle with Burnley winning on penalties. The Toon and Clarets played out a goalless stalemate in regular time, before Wayne Hennessey saved spot-kicks from Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron.
But Newcastle would have no issue attracting potential head coach candidates should the club look into a future without Bruce. At least two overseas managers would be keen on taking up the Tyneside hot seat if it became vacant.
Wilder and Howe would also be part of any conversations if the St James’ Park hierarchy debate Bruce’s future. Wilder remains out of work since leaving Sheffield United in March, while Howe has remained unemployed since leaving Bournemouth in August of last year.
Should Newcastle replace Bruce with one of Howe or Wilder?
Wilder received vast plaudits after guiding Sheffield United into the Premier League and impressing with his style of play. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola even suggested, via Goal, this March: “If he would be here, he would fight to be champion.”
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp similarly praised Howe during the 43-year-old’s time with the Cherries. The German said, via Goal: “For me, he’s the most exciting manager in the league. He’s still young, it’s really impressive.”
Newcastle allegedly considered replacing Bruce with Howe over the summer, according to the Daily Record. While The Athletic note Wilder has had admirers in the North East since Rafa Benitez left the club in 2019. Ian McGarry also claimed back in March on the Transfer Window Podcast that Wilder was being lined up to replace Bruce at Newcastle.
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