Tuesday, 7th December 2010
Following Newcastle United’s decision to sack Chris Hughton yesterday, talk is intensifying over his likely successor. An early suggestion has been Martin O’Neill, but it is understood that former Tottenham Hotspur boss Martin Jol is in the driving seat to take over at St. James’ Park.
Hughton was sacked despite having led Newcastle back up to the Premier League and, this season, to a comfortable mid-table spot. However, there was a belief within the club’s boardroom that someone more experienced was required, and that under Hughton Newcastle could quickly slip down the table.
"The board would like to place on record their thanks to Chris for his considerable efforts during the club’s transition from Championship to Premier League club", read a statement released by Newcastle.
Now Newcastle will move quickly to speak to Martin Jol. The Dutchman resigned as Ajax coach yesterday, complaining that the club’s expectations were too high. The fact that Jol has quit Ajax also means that Newcastle would have no compensation to pay should they choose to appoint him.
Jol is thought to believe he has unfinished business in the English Premier League, following his departure as Tottenham Hotspur manager in 2007.
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