'Top names' in for United job Apr 1 2006
By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle
Freddy Shepherd has revealed that some "top names" have applied for the vacant managerial job with Newcastle United.
The chairman refuses to name just who wants to take over at St James' Park, but the Chronicle understands that top foreign managers Roberto Mancini of Inter Milan, Lyon's Gerard Houllier and Dutchman Ronald Koeman of Benfica are all among them.
And, ironically, Mancini, Koeman and Houllier are three managers who have a chance of taking their teams into the semi-finals of the Champions League this week.
Several Premiership managers have let it be known they are also willing to have a go at one of the hottest jobs in football. The Chronicle revealed on Thursday that Houllier had thrown his hat into the ring for the job.
Indeed, away from Tyneside there has been talk of Houllier coming in as manager with Roeder as assistant. And if Houllier did get the job no-one would be happier than Michael Owen, who would be reunited with his former Anfield boss.
Shepherd has refused to be drawn on the managerial situation, but speaking in his own column in today's official match programme, he says: " I know all of our supporters are very interested in what is happening with the vacant managerial position at St. James' Park, and I can tell you that we are making progress towards the appointment of a new manager.
"But, as I said last month, there is no need to hurry into a decision, and we will take the correct amount of time to ensure we get the appointment absolutely right. "This will be one of the most important decisions ever taken at this football club, for we are entering a period in the game when the leading clubs are opening up a larger and larger gap between themselves and the others - and we have to maintain ourselves as one of those leading clubs.
"Rest assured, we are working ceaselessly towards getting our new manager in place, but only when the time is right will we name the man to lead the team in the immediate future. "There has been a huge amount of speculation on the matter, and we have understandably distanced ourselves from that.
"But our supporters should know that there has been a great deal of interest in the position from an exciting list of coaches. "One thing is for certain: we have a long list of candidates of the highest calibre to select from."
... dette kan vel ikke være aprilsnarr!?!?!?!?!?!?! Koeman har jo gjort en kjempejobb med Benfica. Mannen kan jo forsvar i alle fall!!!
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