Gerard Houllier For Newcastle

Jimmy

Gerard Houllier has been given the go ahead to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle manager.

The former Liverpool boss, who is currently the French Football Federation's technical director, has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the vacancy at St James' Park in recent days.

And his current employers have confirmed they will not deny him the opportunity to take the job if offered it.

FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalette told the Daily Express: "I would not stand in Gerard's way if there was something else he wanted to do. I am not surprised he gets offers.

"He turned one or two down to rejoin us and they were better financially than we could offer him."

Former Newcastle owner Sir John Hall has publicly stated Houllier would be his preferred choice to step in to the manager's hot seat at St James' Park.

He is now quoted at 6-1 to take the job by some bookmakers while favourite Kevin Keegan is now 2-1.

Haggis

They don't need Houllier...divine intervention more like!

Haggis

Toon in Houllier talks

Sky Sports News understands that 'informal discussions' have taken place regarding Gerard Houllier taking the Newcastle United job.

The former Liverpool manager has emerged as a leading contender to replace Sam Allardyce after Harry Redknapp opted to stay at Portsmouth.

Houllier is currently working as the French Football Federation's technical director, but the organisation's president Jean-Pierre Escalette would not block a move to Newcastle.

Escalette admitted he was 'not surprised' that Houllier receives offers, although there has been no firm proposal from the Magpies.

According to Sky Sports News, business associates of owner Mike Ashley have held 'informal discussions' with Houllier's representatives.

Opportunity

Houllier would now 'welcome' the opportunity to discuss the vacant position with Ashley and Newcastle chairman Chris Mort.

Reports also suggest the ex-France national team coach would be willing to work alongside Alan Shearer at St James' Park.

A 'dream ticket' of Shearer and former boss Kevin Keegan has been mooted, but Houllier could now be an option to groom the Toon legend for the managerial hot seat.

Newcastle have not commented on the latest reports, but are understood to have spoken to representatives of several candidates.

SkyBet have now made the Frenchman favourite to take over at Newcastle and have cut his odds to 3-1.

Keegan is second favourite at 4-1 while Shearer is 7-1 alongside Harry Redknapp

Jimmy

Alan Shearer claims Newcastle do not want him as their next manager. I think he would have been ok as an assistant though maybe groomed for future management.

ascottboy

Kevin Keegan is returning to Newcastle United as manager, the club have confirmed.

Keegan enjoyed great success in his first stint at St James' Park between 1992 and 1997, leading the club back into the Premier League and taking them to the brink of the title.

The former England manager became a favourite with the Toon Army during his Magpies playing career and continues to be held in the highest regard on Tyneside.

Keegan has been out of football after leaving his post as Manchester City boss in 2005, but has been tempted back by the challenge of again leading a club he clearly holds close to his heart.

A brief statement on the club's official website read: "Kevin Keegan is returning to Newcastle United as manager."

The Magpies have been searching for a new manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce last week, whose reign lasted for just 24 games.

Jimmy

I think this will be a good singing for Newcastle, im not sure how they will end up as a defensive unit though, going forward they should be a lot better.

ascottboy

Kevin Keegan at newcasctle is a result of thier chaiman sitting in the stands, will he be up 2 it? time will tell. In my view, it is good to see him back in the game.(as long as they do not get past the nxt round of the cup!!)