Steven Gerrard REFUSES to rule himself out of the Newcastle job with Steve Bruce on the brink of the sack, with Rangers boss admitting he’s ‘looking on with interest’ at Toon’s Saudi takeover
- Newcastle United are expected to dispense of under fire manager Steve Bruce
- International break saw the club purchased in a Saudi led takeover
- The Toon had hoped to replace Bruce ahead of Sunday’s clash with Tottenham
- Steven Gerrard has been among the names considered for the role
Steven Gerrard refused to rule himself out of the running for the Newcastle job and said he was ‘looking in with interest’ following the Saudi-led takeover.
Sportsmail reported last week that the Rangers boss was part of discussions among the consortium, especially given his links to their football advisor Frank McParland, the former Liverpool chief scout.
It is thought that Gerrard would be interested in making the move to Tyneside, and he did little to quieten such talk when pressed on the matter on Friday.
Steven Gerrard (left) has refused to rule himself out of taking charge at Newcastle United with Steve Bruce on the brink of being replaced following the club’s Saudi-led takeover
‘I think it’s interesting, what’s happening at Newcastle,’ said the former England captain.
‘I think if anyone deserves a break it’s the Geordie fans. So I’m sure that excitement levels are very high down on the Toon.
‘And obviously everyone connected with the game is looking in with interest, to see how that develops.
‘But from a personal point of view, I don’t really get involved in speculation. And I wish Steve Bruce all the best.’
Newcastle are under new Saudi ownership, with directors Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley already looking to make quick changes on the touchline
Bruce has been an unpopular figure among many Newcastle fans eager to see change
Gerrard is in his fourth season at Ibrox and ended the club’s 10-year wait for an SPL title in May.
The 41-year-old would be a popular choice among Newcastle’s supporters as replacement for Bruce, who was expected to go this week but is now likely to take charge of Sunday’s home game against Spurs.
And Gerrard said: ‘I don’t really react or get involved in any kind of speculation, especially when there’s someone who I have the utmost respect for sitting in that job.
‘Sitting in these positions, you know, I wouldn’t like people to be speculating about my job.
But Bruce is set to remain in charge as Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
‘For me, I am in a very big job and a very big role here which I am very much fully focused on.
‘We’ve got a top of the table clash at the weekend and it’s a game I am very much looking forward to.
‘I’ve certainly got one eye on Newcastle in terms of Brucey getting his 1,000th game. He’s a great character of the game, he’s someone who I have a personal relationship with and I have the utmost respect for him.
‘I’m really looking forward to seeing him getting his 1,000th game, I think it’s a mammoth achievement, so congratulations to him at the weekend.’