Rio Ferdinand says Eddie Howe must focus on rebuilding Newcastle United's defence if he takes over in the Magpies hotseat.
But he feels he has a 'mouthwatering' opportunity to succeed at St James' Park.
United picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday night, with Howe watching from the stands, but Ferdinand, covering the game for BT Sport, pointed to Newcastle's defensive deficiencies as a key area to work on.
VOTE FOR YOUR NEWCASTLE MAN OF THE MATCH HERE
"The shocking defensive stats that’s the area he needs hone down in," he said.
"The foundations for any football club to do well, defensively you have to be strong and stand at times where things are going against you."
Ferdinand has described the vacancy as a 'mouth-watering' opportunity for whoever does takes the reins, reserving praise for Newcastle's supporters.
He said: "Newcastle is a mouth-watering opportunity because it’s a great project and these fans, some of the best fans I’ve said it before , we beat them by four or five once at St James' and they were still singing their hearts out.
"The foreign players said if that was in their country they’d be throwing bottles."
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
