Steve Bruce was sacked as manager of Newcastle on October 20 and Graeme Jones has since taken over until a permanent appointment was made.
Although the Magpies are sitting in the relegation zone, they are now an exciting proposition following Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media’s takeover of the club, so some big-name coaches have been linked to the vacancy.
Unai Emery was the latest on Newcastle’s list, but he’s since turned down their approach while thanking the Premier League club for their interest. The 50-year-old could have been available if Newcastle paid his €6m release clause, but it now appears they’ll turn their attentions elsewhere.
Emery opted against returning to the Premier League after talks with Villarreal’s CEO, and he wasn’t comfortable with all the speculation leading up to his eventual rejection. The news has been met with a mixed reaction from fans on social media.
Some are disappointed to miss out on an experienced coach, others think there are better options out there and there are a few unhappy with the proposed move for Eddie Howe.
Emery has managed Lorca Deportivo (2004 – 2006), UD Almeria (2006 – 2008), Valencia (2008 – 2012), Spartak Moscow (2012), Sevilla (2013 – 2016), Paris Saint-Germain (2016 – 2018) and Arsenal (2018 – 2019) before joining Villarreal (2020 – present).
He’s certainly a loss for Newcastle.
In other news, Allan Saint-Maximin posts video on IG playing tennis after Chelsea defeat
