Newcastle next manager – Fonseca, Favre and Howe favourites to replace sacked Steve Bruce, Lampard & Gerrard in the mix

PAULO FONSECA is odds-on favourite for the Newcastle job after the departure of Steve Bruce, according to Sky Bet.

Newcastle confirmed on Wednesday that Bruce had left by 'mutual consent' after more than two years in charge at St James' Park.

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Assistant manager Graeme Jones will lead the team on an interim basis, starting with Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.

Bruce, who guided the club to 13th and 12th-place finishes in the Premier League, thanked the club in his parting message.

He said: "I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club.

"I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work. There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.

"This is a club with incredible support, and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond."

Newcastle confirmed that the 'process of recruiting a new head coach is under way'.

And Sky Bet believe Fonseca is the frontrunner.

Newcastle next manager

Sky Bet odds

  • Paulo Fonseca – 8/15
  • Eddie Howe – 9/2
  • Lucien Favre – 7/1
  • Steven Gerrard – 18/1
  • Frank Lampard – 20/1
  • Graeme Jones – 25/1
  • Graham Potter – 25/1
  • Jose Mourinho – 25/1
  • Brendan Rodgers – 28/1
  • Roberto Mancini – 28/1

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Fonseca was available at 10/1 yesterday, but that price has shortened considerably overnight to 8/15 after a flurry of activity in the betting market.

Sky Sports claim Fonseca is one of several free agents being considered by Newcastle chiefs.

It's thought the Toon are prioritising out of work candidates to avoid conflicts with rivals clubs.

Fonseca, who guided Shakhtar Donetsk to three domestic doubles in his three seasons as manager, is still available having left Roma in May.

He was close to taking the Tottenham job over the summer but changed his mind late on after director Fabio Paratici altered the vision chairman Daniel Levy had set out for him.

Ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is available at 9/2.

The former Cherries chief left the Vitality Stadium in August 2020 following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Lucien Favre, 63, is next in the betting market at 7/1.

Reports have claimed the Swiss coach has already expressed an interest in taking the reins on Tyneside.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager turned down the opportunity to join Crystal Palace in the summer but appears ready for a return to management.

Frank Lampard and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard remain in the running at 18/1 and 20/1 respectively with Graeme Jones, Graham Potter and Jose Mourinho all priced at 25s.

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