'Eighty applicants' for Newcastle head coach job that may not be filled until summer, says MD

  • Tyne Tees
Managing Director Lee Charnley with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley Credit: PA

Newcastle United managing director, Lee Charnley has revealed the club may wait until the end of the season to appoint a full-time head coach.

Speaking to The Chronicle he said though his first preference is to try and bring someone in now, because it is a long-term commitment he is willing to wait until the summer rather than taking someone who "isn't the best fit".

He says Newcastle have had around 80 applications, some who are willing and available to come now and others who are not until the summer.

Mr Charnley added the delay in picking someone is because Alan Pardew's departure from the club came as an unexpected surprise - one they didn't have a contingency plan for.

Instead they are looking for a head coach, which will be a refinement of the manager role Pardew had:

  • The person selected will pick the team without interference,

  • Will set out their playing style,

  • Doesn’t have the final say on transfers and

  • Won’t get involved in every aspect of the business.

Former Lyon coach Remi Garde, St Etienne manager Christophe Galtier, ex-Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel and Rangers chief Ally McCoist have been linked to the post.

Read more: Newcastle's next head coach: The favourites and the outside bets