Giovanni van Bronckhorst is not in contention to land the Newcastle United job – despite figuring prominently in the bookies odds and being keen on landing the role.
Van Bronckhorst led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title and felt he was a good fit for a role which will see any new man stepping into the job vacated by huge fan favourite and world class coach Rafa Benitez .
But after representatives for the ex-Netherlands international contacted the club they were told the Magpies were ideally looking for someone with experience of coaching in the Premier League.
The message communicated to van Bronckhorst appears to suggest United are looking for someone who will hit the ground running and has a working up-to-date knowledge of the English top flight rather than someone from overseas who will be learning about the Premier League on the job.
Whoever it is, the in-tray is huge with incoming transfers a huge priority. Steve Nickson is working on identifying possible targets and the new man will likely get some sort of say on whether to press the button on any deals where background work is currently being carried out.
But there is also the problem of batting back fan discontent with talk of a boycott and many supporters taking to social media to announce they’re staying away in protest after Benitez left the club. The new boss will have to work hard to turn the tide of ill will.
United have less than a week to confirm an appointment before they head out to China for the Premier League Trophy. Incredibly, they have eight days until their first pre-season game.
Roberto Martinez, Mikel Arteta and Steven Gerrard have all been linked with the Magpies job and all have experience of coaching in the top flight, either as an assistant or in the Academy. Ex-Watford Quique Sanchez Flores was also linked over the weekend.
