Joey Barton believes Newcastle United will have a long list of 'top managers' wanting to replace Rafa Benitez.
The former NUFC midfielder is currently in charge at Fleetwood Town and has been tentatively linked with the role himself but has conceded that there will be some big names after the job.
“I don’t know all of the links but a club like Newcastle will always get linked with top managers,” Barton told talkSPORT.
“There will be no shortage of top coaches who are after the job.
“Rafa Benitez has left solid foundations so this next appointment is crucial. Any manager that comes in has a solid platform to go and showcase Newcastle United. "
It was confirmed on Monday that Benitez would not be renewing his deal, and that he would leave once his contract expires on June 30th with the search for his successor now under-way.
Barton admitted to Sky Sports that it would be 'tough' to down the opportunity to manage the club which he played for between 2007-2011.
Speaking more about the job, and owner Mike Ashley , who he has been critical of before, Barton admitted that things may have changed in the time since his exit - although he admitted frustration at letting Benitez go.
"As someone who cares about Newcastle, you’re disappointed because you know the affection in which the fans held Rafa Benitez,” he said.
“You want to see Newcastle continue to grow as a football club. On the flip side of that, it’s football.
“I haven’t been there for a long period but one of the reasons I left was that there was a bit of a disconnect between me and Mike Ashley.
"It wasn’t all hunky-dory but the club changes so for me to make a call on it would be incredibly difficult.”
