EXCLUSIVE: Hudson in running for Newcastle head coach job

Anthony Hudson TEAMtalk

TEAMtalk understands Newcastle will consider a move for Anthony Hudson as they begin the process of finding Rafa Benitez’s successor.

The Geordies are, understandably, devastated by the forthcoming exit of Benitez, who will step down at the end of his contract on June 30.

In a statement released today the club claimed they had “worked hard” to try and agree a new deal with the 59-year-old and his representatives, but ultimately failed.

Benitez’s coaching staff of Paco de Miguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez Perez and Mikel Antia will also leave with the Spanish boss, who has been linked with a job in China.

TEAMtalk informed you months ago that the club were considering potential replacements, just in case they failed to agree a new deal with Benitez.

Their number one priority was always, however, to renew Benitez’s deal and that was their primary focus, but with no agreement in place they will now step up their hunt to replace him after he guided the Magpies back to the Premier League and kept them there for two seasons.

And, according to our sources one man in consideration is Hudson.

The highly-rated 38-year-old has recently left MLS club Colorado Rapids, before which he was head coach of New Zealand.

Mike Ashley Lee Charnley TEAMtalk

Burnley boss Sean Dyche is also understood to be keen, while Man Utd assistant and Wallsend-born Michael Carrick is another option being considered. Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also been mentioned as a contender and is also thought to be under consideration.

But Newcastle are understood to be looking at the possibility of appointing a young head coach with a more experienced sporting director alongside the new coach.

The bookies have named Garry Monk, Chris Hughton and David Moyes as contenders, as well as Jose Mourinho and Wenger.

Sport Mediaset claim Mourinho could return to management with Marco Materazzi alongside him.

Sky Sports have also reported that former Chelsea coach Avram Grant is in the running for a post at the club.

Newcastle