Mike Ashley is backing Steve Bruce to turn Newcastle United around but, according to EuroSport, Chris Wilder and Burnley boss Sean Dyche have been identified as potential replacements at St James’ Park.
The hull has been breached. The ship is sinking. And Bruce is treading water.
But despite a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of relegation rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, the much-maligned Newcastle boss remains safe it seems. According to EuroSport, owner Mike Ashley still believes Bruce can drag the Magpies out of the mire.
With just two wins in 18 matches since mid-December, the results don’t back up Ashley’s confidence. The ship’s alarm bells are ringing loudly, with Fulham hot on Newcastle’s stern, yet the Magpies owner doesn’t appear ready to throw Bruce overboard.
But that’s not to say the Tyneside giants aren’t preparing for every eventuality.
EuroSport claims if Bruce’s position becomes untenable in the weeks to come, Newcastle will turn to Wilder or Dyche.
You would imagine, of course, that the former would be a more realistic appointment.
Wilder finds himself out of work after his five-year spell at boyhood club Sheffield United came to an end in March. And, although the 53-year-old left the Blades bottom of the Premier League – in an even worse position than Newcastle – his remarkable exploits at Bramall Lane means he won’t be away from the game for long.
Dyche, meanwhile, is under contract at Burnley and the Clarets aren’t going to let the division’s longest-serving manager walk away for nothing.
According to The Sun, any club wanting to take Dyche from Turf Moor would have to part with a £10 million compensation fee.
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