Jol Eyed for Newcastle Vacancy
Posted on 06. Dec, 2010 by admin in Premier League
After quitting his role as the Ajax coach, Martin Jol has emerged as the frontrunner to take the position of Newcastle United manager that Chris Hughton vacated on Monday.
Ajax confirmed that Jol has indeed left the club by mutual agreement after being in charge for just seven months.
Jol said, “With pain in my heart I say goodbye to this wonderful club. We started something last summer that I would have finished. But I have come to realize that the expectations after last season were too high. We cannot meet such expectations. The amount of criticism that the club has had to endure daily has led to unrest in the club and among players.”
Alan Pardew, former West Ham boss, was initially the bookies’ favorite and betting has been suspended on the day that money poured in for him.
Meanwhile, Alan Shearer, the former captain of Newcastle has temporarily taken the position despite being snubbed by Ashley who was in favor of Hughton after an eight-game spell in charge which resulted in relegation back in May 2009.
When asked about Hughton’s departure, Shearer said, “It’s not good, not good news. Despite what happened, I loved it and if something was to arise again I would seriously look at it.”
In a statement that was issued by the LMA or the League Managers’ Association, Hughton said that he was proud of all of his achievements at Newcastle and that the termination of his contract was in the hands of the LMA.
Hughton further defended his Newcastle record saying, “We have built on last season’s momentum following promotion and have produced some excellent results to see us sitting midway in the table. I am immensely proud of my achievements with Newcastle and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, my staff and the supporters during my time as manager. I now wish them and the club all the very best for the future.”
Richard Bevan, LMA chief executive, said, “The LMA is extremely disappointed that Newcastle have parted company with Chris given the success the club has experienced since his appointment. Throughout his time at Newcastle Chris has conducted himself with tremendous integrity and dignity, the team’s current position of 11th in the Premier League demonstrating the stabilizing effect Chris has had.”