Venables ponders Newcastle offer

Pa
Thursday 25 September 2008 12:08 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

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.

Former England boss Terry Venables will decide today whether to become interim manager of troubled Newcastle.

Venables is the latest in the frame to take over since the departure of Kevin Keegan and the decision of owner Mike Ashley to put the club up for sale.

Venables has revealed talks with the St James' Park club began yesterday and that he hoped to give them a decision today.

"I can confirm I met Newcastle representatives today," Venables told The Sun.

"Those talks will continue in the morning when, hopefully, I can give them a final decision."

Venables is understood to have held talks with Newcastle vice-president Tony Jimenez, managing director Derek Llambias and executive director Dennis Wise in London with a view to persuade the 65-year-old to take over control of first team affairs from Chris Hughton.

Venables previously held talks with Newcastle in September 2004 when he was in discussion with then chairman Freddy Shepherd to succeed the sacked Sir Bobby Robson but the job eventually went to Graeme Souness.

Newcastle's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham in the Carling Cup third round last night was a fourth successive loss for a team also struggling in the lower reaches of the Barclays Premier League.

The Magpies' beleaguered supporters voted with their feet as a crowd of just 20,577 - the lowest for a competitive match at St James' Park since the capacity was increased to in excess of 52,000 - turned up to see them lose to Spurs.

That came amid continued speculation about the future ownership of the club with a consortium from Nigeria believed to be the favourites to take over.

The consortium fronted by Chris Nathaniel are set to make a statement by the weekend on the possibility of buying of the Tyneside club.

Nathaniel, chief executive of NVA management, has declared interest in buying out Ashley from a group of entrepreneurs he is liaising with.

Nathaniel's significance in football was recognised by his inclusion in the "Black List" of the 30 of the most influential figures of African or African-Caribbean heritage in English football, which has been supported by Kick It Out.

He was at Westminster yesterday to pick up his award but is still working hard on looking at the possibilities of taking over at St James' Park.

"It is a very serious offer, they are very serious business people and passionate football fans," he said.

"We are still at the early stages. Hopefully in the next 48 hours we will be in a position to make a statement and take the situation further."

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