Fonseca poised to take helm at Toon
C PALACE V NEWCASTLE 3PM
PAULO FONSECA is set to be installed as Newcastle’s new manager, with Frank Lampard understood to have pulled out.
Magpies co-owner Amanda Staveley wants to hand a long-term deal to Fonseca worth £6million a year.
She had been facing opposition from co-owner Jamie Reuben, who wanted an Englishman in charge and was backing Lampard.
Steve Bruce’s former assistant Graeme Jones will stay in interim charge for the next two games, with discussions between the competing voices ongoing.
But Fonseca now appears to have a clear path to the job.
Former Chelsea boss Lampard is believed to share the concerns of a string of managers about Newcastle’s prospects of staying in the Premier League despite the Saudibacked takeover.
Newcastle sit second from bottom and winless after eight Premier League games. Fonseca, 48, has impressed in his interview with the club with his short- and long-term vision, along with his style of play.
A winner of nine trophies in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, Fonseca has inspired Staveley and excited fans with his CV, which also includes an eye-catching spell with Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira.
In his three seasons at Shakhtar he clinched the domestic double every time.And in his first year in Italy at Roma, he led them to fifth place in Serie A.
Geordie caretakermanager Jones will take charge for today’s clash with Crystal Palace and has been assured by Staveley that he will keep his job when a new head coach is appointed.
Asked what sort of boss Newcastle need, he said: “Think about the area and how I was brought up: hard work, honesty and fight for every situation. That represents the Geordies.That is a great starting place for a new manager.”