Newcastle fans have been reacting on social media after a report in The Shields Gazette revealed that Neil Redfearn has been given notice that he may have to take charge of first-team affairs until a new manager is appointed.
The 54-year-old was only recently appointed as the U23 head coach following the club’s academy shake-up. Rafa Benitez’s contract officially runs out on Sunday, with the report claiming the board will not make any formal approaches to managerial candidates until after the deal has expired.
Despite many names being linked with the vacancy, so far the list includes, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. However, it is unlikely the new boss will be in charge by July 4th, when the players are due to report back for pre-season.
The Gazette suggests the board will be looking to hire a head coach rather than a manager, leaving them with very little control over transfers moving forward.
Redfearn does have managerial experience, following spells as Leeds United and Rotherham boss before being the manager of Doncaster Rovers Belles and Liverpool Women.
His previous involvement in management has not been enough to satisfy the Toon Army, and the supporters made their feelings known on social media…
Newcastle won’t make any formal approaches to managerial candidates until next week. Expect Neil Redfearn to take charge of pre-season training until an appointment is made. #nufchttps://t.co/NVRVO5ThVE
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) June 28, 2019
Absolute joke of a club.
— The Geordie Boot Boy (@BootGeordie) June 28, 2019
You mean they won’t make Redfearns position permanent as first team head coach until after the deadline for season tickets has passed. It will be said they had to due to uncertainty over who will own the club so can’t appoint a manager due to the takeover. Shambles
— steven jones (@towlawstev) June 28, 2019
Absolute joke of a club.
— The Geordie Boot Boy (@BootGeordie) June 28, 2019
It’s funny how he was appointed a few days before they pulled the plug of Rafa. Joke.
— Chris Willby (@Chrisw8701) June 28, 2019
Nightmare scenarios turning into realities. Grim.
— Richie Southern (@RichySouthern) June 28, 2019
Delete club
— Gavin McMillan (@GavinMcMillan17) June 28, 2019
No Manager no new signings looking like another tough season !
— michael Watson (@michael73493476) June 28, 2019
I predicted this as soon as he got made academy coach! Can read mike Ashley like a book , pay the academy manager academy wages to run the first team
— Ash Moralee (@ash_moralee) June 28, 2019