According to an exclusive from the Mirror, Steven Gerrard has now rejected the opportunity to become the next Newcastle United manager.
John Richardson’s piece states that Mike Ashley had targeted both Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira, at Rangers and Nice respectively, however BOTH have now distanced themselves from the job.
Here’s a snippet from the Mirror’s latest ‘exclusive’, claiming the former Liverpool man has rejected an approach from Mike Ashley:
‘Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has rebuffed an approach from Newcastle owner Mike Ashley regarding the vacant manager position
‘Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has attempted to bring Steven Gerrard to St. James’ Park as Rafa Benitez’s replacement.
‘Ashley targeted Rangers boss Gerrard and Nice manager Patrick Vieira after Benitez’s contract ran out and the Spaniard left for China.
‘But the Sports Direct magnate has known from the offset that the chances of luring Liverpool legend Gerrard to Tyneside were slim.
‘He was still prepared to try and alerted Gerrard’s representatives to the possibility of a quick return to the Premier League.
‘But Gerrard has only been at Ibrox 12 months and any departure this summer wouldn’t be welcomed by the Rangers fans.
‘This week he leads the club into Europa League action in Gibraltar against St. Joseph’s and the Rangers hierarchy haven’t welcomed Newcastle ’s interest especially after Ashley’s previous volatile relationship with the club.‘
The Chronicle claimed just last night that Gerrard ‘made the cut’ on NUFC’s shortlist to replace Rafa, also suggesting he’d be open to a Premier League return, but I’m inclined to believe the Mirror on this one.
For me, Gerrard seems like the last manager/character who’d happily work under Mike Ashley.
His Liverpool/Rafa links are one thing (he was hardly complimentary about the current regime when reacting to the Spaniard’s exit), but his winning mentality and drive for success hardly makes him a good match for Ashley.
So, that’s now Gerrard, Vieira, Mourinho, Martinez and Wenger who are all said to have distanced themselves from the job. I wonder if Mike has taken the hint yet.
Take the hint this guys a kn@b to him he is just waiting time and will say he tried to get a decent manager in but all we’re committed to the clubs and the goals they had set for there respective clubs and the offer had come to early
Davidp(Quote)