Newcastle manager shortlist grows by one as shock new candidate emerges

A report claims that former Manchester United striker and current Derby County boss Wayne Rooney is on the shortlist to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

Bruce’s days at St James’ Park seem numbered after the recent takeover by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium. There were reports that the 60-year-old would be instantly dismissed following Mike Ashley’s exit. But he remained to manage his 1,000th match against Tottenham on Sunday.

Things did not go to plan against the north Londoners despite Callum Wilson’s early header. And the 3-1 loss only highlighted what a tough job any new manager of the club will have to turn things around.

A few pundits have suggested Bruce is the best man to try and dig them out of their current hole. The Magpies sit 19th of the 20 top-flight teams and have yet to win a game this term.

New players will come in during the January transfer window. But it is a notoriously difficult month in which to find the right stars to make a difference.

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It remains to be seen who is in charge in the new year. Rangers chief Steven Gerrard has been mentioned as one possibility while ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre has also been linked.

But SPORTbible are suggesting Rooney is under consideration for the Tyneside post. He is said to be ‘extremely interested’ in the post after a turbulent few months at Pride Park.

With Derby placed in administration, they were hit with a 12-point deduction. The Rams are bottom of the Championship standings and six points from safety.

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Rooney has said all the right words about staying and fighting for the cause. However, the lure of working in the Premier League and with a huge transfer budget will certainly appeal.

Bruce to leave with head held high

Bruce was never a popular choice to succeed Rafael Benitez in the Newcastle dugout. But, working on a shoestring budget, he has kept the club in the Premier League for two seasons.

However, the fans seem impatient for a new manager to be appointed and the writing is surely on the wall. Bruce gave little away when asked about his future following the Spurs reverse.

“I’ll wait until they see fit and we’ll see what they are going to say,” he said. “You better ask somebody else about that one.”

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