Newcastle's 4-Man Head Coach Shortlist - And 4 Names Who Should Still Be In The Frame
3. Patrick Vieira
Age: 38 Nationality: French Clubs Managed: Manchester City Elite Development Squad (2013-) Managerial Honours: 2014-15 Premier League International Cup As a player, Patrick Vieira lifted the World Cup, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the European Championship with France, three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, four Serie A titles (one with Juventus and three with Inter Milan), and another FA Cup with Manchester City - but as a manager he has no senior experience, although bags of potential. Since 2013, the 107-cap France international has been in charge of Manchester Citys Elite Development Squad and, although he has been earmarked as Manuel Pellegrinis potential long-term replacement at the Etihad, he is still very much in the embryonic stages of his coaching career. There are many utterings around Manchester that even the Citizens hierarchy are yet to be convinced by Vieiras long-term credentials. He has potential, certainly, but will he really be a top coach? Newcastle would be taking a gamble appointing such an inexperienced man, but he could also be a breath of fresh air. Touted as a future head coach by Bayern Munich and sounded out for the Marseille job, Vieira loves a fast press, possession-based game that is allied with quick attacking football. He has admitted he would leave Manchester City for an "interesting role" - and Newcastle now need to prove they can be that for him. Vieira would essentially be a maverick option - the joker card in Newcastles pack. He would also be another cheap option, because he too is out of contract this month - as, by chance, all bar (potentially) one of the four-man shortlist are. Potentially the most exciting option, but also the most risky. It depends on the vision Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley have for Newcastle United's future - as well as whether or not they can convince the Frenchman he can have complete control at St James' Park - as to whether or not Vieira would be appointed. Chances Of Getting The Job: 8/10
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
