12 Candidates To Become Newcastle Head Coach

2. Steve McClaren

Age: 54 Nationality: English Clubs Managed: Middlesbrough (2001-06), England (2006-07), FC Twente (2008-10 and 2012-13), VfL Wolfsburg (2010-11), Nottingham Forest (2011), Derby County (2013-15) Managerial Honours: 2003-04 League Cup (Middlesbrough), 2009-10 Eredivisie (FC Twente)

Steve McClaren insists he was "never tempted" by the Newcastle job - despite failing to deny he was interested in the role during the five months of speculation before he was offered the opportunity to save the Magpies' season with three games to go. McClaren has been linked with the role ever since Alan Pardew left Tyneside for Crystal Palace at the turn of the year and the former Derby boss had failed to ever adequately distance himself - before turning down the post on an emergency basis. However, the 54-year-old has now been sacked by the Rams - with Real Madrid assistant coach Paul Clement expected to be named as his replacement - having failed to take Derby to the Premier League, or even qualify for the play-offs this season. The ex-Middlesbrough and England manager - who was famously dubbed the "wally with the brolly" after he stood in the rain watching the Three Lions succumb to defeat against Croatia at Wembley in 2007 - is now back on Newcastle's radar once again, and is favourite for the role. Having won the League Cup with Boro in 2004 and the Eredivisie title with FC Twente during the 2009-10 season, McClaren has a history of success - but the way he has dealt with the speculation linking him to the role to date should hopefully prevent him from being appointed. He remains a favourite of chief scout Graham Carr though, and the likelihood is McClaren will be at St James' Park within a few weeks...