Even with Mike Ashley in control of Newcastle, United is an attractive side for managers to join, as we can offer Premier League football and a fanbase most clubs yearn for. The Magpies have certainly peaked Sergio Conceicao’s interest, as Sky Sports understand the current FC Porto boss is interested in the soon-to-be vacant position at St James’ Park.
It is also noted that the former Portugal international, best known for his time in the Serie A with SS Lazio and Inter Milan, is one name who fits the criteria laid out by Ashley and Managing Director Lee Charnley, as they compile what is currently a lengthy shortlist of potential candidates.
No decisions on who will succeed Rafa Benitez, or approaches for their services, will be taken until the Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of the month, though, so the first-team will return to training next week likely with a caretaker manager leading the sessions.
Conceicao putting his name forward to succeed the soon-to-be-departing former Real Madrid boss has sparked a fair amount of feedback from Magpies supporters on Twitter, as well.
The 44-year-old has been at the helm of the Dragoes since the summer of 2017, after he left French side FC Nantes for the Estadio do Dragao after 26 games in charge at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Leaving clubs after one year proved to be a recurring theme of the early years of his career in the dugout, as Conceicao took up positions with Standard Liege, Olhanense, Coimbra, SC Braga, and Vitoria Guimaraes SC in a five-year timeframe before securing his role with Nantes in 2016.
With Porto, though, Conceicao has proven he can settle at one side for more than twelve months, with 108 games to his name, 79 wins on the board, and a Liga NOS and Portuguese Super Cup in the trophy cabinet.
His stints in the Liga NOS and Ligue 1 before taking up the Dragoes position, however, were not as fruitful, with 31 games in charge of Guimaraes and 30 in charge of Olhanense both only returning eight wins, meaning his career points-per-game average is 1.57, compared to 2.32 with Porto.
Here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted to Conceicao putting his name forward to succeed Benitez…
He’s the real deal. I’d have him 100%. Check this great piece from https://t.co/FFtqBYA7Xp https://t.co/cqSSBp6Vl0
The central winger part interests me, Miggy and Ayoze could fill those roles well. I’m interested in seeing where this goes! #NUFC— davidlabelle7 (@david_labelle) June 27, 2019
Will he be a good boy and do what Mr Ashley say?
— real jedi (@anothergamer77) June 27, 2019
Think when he was a player Bobby was interested in signing him. Then we played inter in Europe and he spent most of the night rolling round on the floor. Bernhard had his life that night. He lost interest in him after that night.
— mark mccormack (@markmcc35559617) June 27, 2019
I’m also interested
— Josh Meredith (@JMere24) June 27, 2019
Honestly, if Newcastle went for Sergio Conceicao, I’d be a tad excited. Which annoys me. Because then I’d remember he’ll get no money to spend so it doesn’t matter anyways … #NUFC
— Adam (@adamtweets85) June 27, 2019
That would be good to be fair
— Jonny Gray (@jgray2706) June 27, 2019
I have an excellent Football Manager background
— Gazpilicueta (@EdenGazard) June 27, 2019