Newcastle United find themselves in yet another relegation scrap. However, given that Steve Bruce set his side a rather meek target of 38 points this season, it’s no surprise really that the Magpies are fighting tooth and nail for their place in the Premier League next season.
For fans of the club, settling for 38 points and avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth is not what they expect, and it’s certainly a far cry from the standards set by Bruce’s predecessor Rafael Bentez, who left the club at the end of the 2018/19 season for the Chinese Super League having finished 13th in the table with Newcastle.
Despite a slight glimmer of hope that perhaps better results are about to come for Newcastle, Bruce remains the favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked with the online sports betting sites. So, in case Newcastle owner Mike Ashley does terminate the 60-year-old’s contract, let’s take a look at some possible replacements.
Chris Wilder – 2/1
Chris Wilder is as short as 2/1 to take over from Bruce at St. James’ Park. Wilder spent five years at Sheffield United, propelling them from League One to the Premier League in the process. The Blades were last season’s surprise package, taking the top flight by storm as they finished ninth, narrowly missing out on Europa League football. However, this season things didn’t go to plan and, with just four wins, Sheffield United’s place in next season’s Championship is all but confirmed. As a result, Wilder left the club by mutual consent in March and there’s no doubt Newcastle fans would welcome him with open arms.
Graham Jones – 6/5
Surprisingly, Bruce’s assistant manager Graham Jones is the favourite to replace him in the Newcastle hotseat at 6/5. Jones’ managerial experience leaves a lot to be desired and we doubt hiring him as first team coach would fill the Newcastle faithful with much hope. Jones’ only senior role was a very short stint with Championship side Luton Town. Jones didn’t have much success with the Hatters, boasting just a 29 percent win rate, and, with Luton in the relegation zone, he was sacked after just 11 months. Since, he has been assistant manager to Jason Tindall at Bournemouth before helping Bruce at Newcastle.
Frank Lampard – 17/2
Frank Lampard is another manager on the hunt for a job after being sacked by a Premier League club earlier this season. Lampard was only 18 months into his dream role at Chelsea when Roman Abramovich brutally fired him back in January. The Blues’ all-time top scorer claimed recently that he has received some ‘flattering‘ offers since then, which is believed to include the Celtic job and the England Under-21 role. However, whilst he is yet to be tempted back into management, if Ashley was to come calling then perhaps he could be lured up north by the Sports Direct owner.
Eddie Howe – 6/1
Eddie Howe is another to have been heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at Celtic Park. At one point, it seemed like the 43-year-old was close to putting pen-to-paper on a deal with the Glasgow-based side. However, it now appears that Howe would prefer to stay in England and it’s no surprise that several sides are reportedly after his signature. Howe enjoyed a fantastic eight years with Bournemouth, taking them from League One to the Premiership and he would certainly get the backing of the Newcastle fans.