David O'Leary accepts his decision to turn down the Newcastle United job in the summer of 2009 was 'probably a mistake'.
The Magpies were preparing for life in the Championship following a chaotic campaign which ended in final-day heartbreak at Villa Park.
Issues behind the scenes dogged the entire campaign, and continued into a summer where it was not clear who would be the club's owner or manager.
There was also the inevitable dressing room exodus as an inquest after a humbling pre-season defeat at Leyton Orient led several established stars to depart St James' Park.
O'Leary had been out of work for three years after leaving Aston Villa in 2006, which was his second managerial position following a controversial stint at Leeds United.
The Arsenal legend guided the club to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001, but the extravagant spending which characterised his tenure led to the club's eventual relegation and 16-year absence from the Premier League.
O'Leary discussed the vacant post on Tyneside with former managing director Derek Llambias, but eventually it was interim boss Chris Hughton who was handed the position on a permanent basis.
O'Leary now looks back on his decision with regret, citing the similarities between Leeds and Newcastle and admitting it would have been a 'good job'.
O'Leary told the Athletic : "It didn't feel right, but I probably should have taken it. It was probably a mistake.
"It's a big club, another one-club city like Leeds, great support.
"That would have been a good job."
You can read the full interview with O'Leary in the Athletic.
