Rafa Benitez is now the bookies' favourite to become the next Newcastle United manager should Steve Bruce leave St James' Park.
Speculation over the Magpies' head coach's future has intensified in recent weeks following a dreadful run of form which has dragged his side into a relegation battle.
United extended their winless run in all competitions to 10 matches following their defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday night. First-half strikes from Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore meant it was a comfortable evening for Dean Smith's side.
Bruce insisted there were 'encouraging' signs from the Magpies, but was also asked for his view on a fans' protest outside St James' Park calling for his departure.
He said: "We have been stuck on 19 points for the past six games I think.
"We are in a difficult period but I have seen enough of the team to try and finish where we did last year or even above it."
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard remains the bookmakers' favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose his job. However, United's recent dismal displays means Bruce is just 11/8 to pip Lampard to the dubious honour.
Benitez's departure from Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Pro has now seen the popular former Magpies boss usurp Eddie Howe to replace Bruce in the hotseat.
Here are the leading contenders to become the next Magpies boss ( according to odds from Paddy Power ) should Bruce depart St James' Park:
Rafa Benitez - 6/4
Mark Hughes - 3/1
Eddie Howe - 6/1
Steve Cooper - 15/2
Graeme Jones - 10/1
Laurent Blanc - 10/1
Alan Shearer - 10/1
Andre Vilas-Boas - 14/1
Joey Barton - 14/1
Nigel Pearson - 14/1
Claudio Ranieri - 16/1
Marco Silva - 16/1
