Venables heading the short list at Newcastle

Jason Burt
Saturday 04 September 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Terry Venables remains favourite to take over as manager of Newcastle United, although the club's chairman Freddy Shepherd insisted yesterday that he was working through a short list of candidates.

Discussions have taken place with Venables' representatives and although his demands are greater than Newcastle want to offer he has not been ruled out. Venables does not want to abandon a business venture he has embarked on in Spain, and his media interests, and is aware that Newcastle only regard him as a short-term solution.

Shepherd is considering the merits of Aston Villa's David O'Leary and although, ideally, he would like to approach Steve Bruce he realises that the Birmingham City manager's contract may be prohibitive. That begs the question as to why Shepherd did not try harder in the summer to lure Bruce before he signed his five-year deal. Another contender is thought to be Graeme Souness, who would be an interesting choice given that Newcastle's next opponents are Blackburn Rovers.

Yesterday Shepherd, who is under pressure after the sacking of Sir Bobby Robson and the loss of Jonathan Woodgate, said: "I know the fans are impatient. But I am as impatient as they are. What I have got to do is what is best for Newcastle United, not what is best for my popularity."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in