Five manager replacements for Alan Pardew at Newcastle

Newcastle United fans should be careful what they wish for. Not long ago, they wanted manager Alan Pardew’s sacking. Now, with the club stabilised and well positioned in the Premier League table, he could be about to leave voluntarily. For a club embroiled in a relegation battle no less.

If he does come to an agreement with Crystal Palace; the club he spent four years as a player, the Magpies will need a replacement fast. Coral, have come up with five potential names who could take the hotseat, with the north east club evens to finish in the Premier League top 10.

Fabricio Coloccini
According to reports, the 33-year-old Argentine centre back is set to take the job, though is this really what the club needs? There is no doubting his leadership skills, though at the minute they are best utilised on the pitch.

Coloccini joined the club in 2008, under the management of Kevin Keegan, in a £10.3m deal from Deportivo La Coruna, and took over the captaincy when Kevin Nolan left the north east. In 2012, he signed a new contract to keep him at St James’ Park until 2016.

It is understood, officials will tweak the contract slightly if he becomes player-manager, albeit on an initial interim basis.

Steve Bruce
This would be an interesting choice. Although he managed Sunderland, the former Manchester United legend would apparently jump at the chance to manage the club he supported as a boy.

He has apparently already registered interest, and given time, he could restore Newcastle to their former heights. The fans love one of their own on Tyneside, as proven with Sir Bobby Robson, and appointing Bruce could help to revive their fortunes.

Tony Pulis
An unlikely option. Mike Ashley likes Newcastle to play exciting football, plus putting Pulis in place as manager would alienate fans even more. He did an exceptional job while in charge of Stoke City and worked wonders to save Crystal Palace last season, but Newcastle will likely look at other alternatives first.

Steve McClaren
Very well respected at St James’ Park; the Derby boss is working wonders in the Championship and would jump at a Premier League move.