Boudewijn Zenden has rejected the chance to join Steve McClaren’s backroom staff at St James’ Park, according to the Mirror.
The Dutchman was offered a coaching role at Newcastle and is assessing his options, but he will not be reuniting with his ex-Middlesbrough manager on Tyneside.
Newcastle had also made an approach for former Manchester United defender Phil Neville – who is currently studying for his Pro-license – but the 38-year-old spurned their advances.
McClaren will now go back to the drawing board and assess other candidates to fill the remaining vacancies. He is still finalising his backroom staff and wants a young, upcoming coach to join his team.
It seems only a matter of time before Paul Simpson, McClaren’s number two at Derby County, and Steve Black, a Newcastle born sports psychologist, will be announced as additions to Newcastle’s backroom staff.
Meanwhile, there are not any advances on the transfer front. Newcastle have enquired about a number of players and, following a meeting earlier this week, have drawn up a short-list of priority targets – but they must act swiftly in order to secure their top target Charlie Austin.
