Vieira cut further for Newcastle hotseat with rivals falling away

One would think that more people would be jumping at the opportunity to take over at a Premier League club with a big history and passionate fanbase

However it seems potentials for the vacant Newcastle United manager’s position are ruling themselves out one by one.

The apparent lack of interested parties in the role in the north-east has seen Patrick Vieira jump to the head of the betting at a price of 4/6, having been as big as 20/1 a week ago.

Currently in discussions with Manchester City in regards to signing him up for another year as manager of the club’s Elite Development Squad, the Frenchman remains a stand-out choice for the Toon.

It would be a big step up for the Arsenal legend, with no experience of managing in the Premier League on his CV, but it’s looking questionable as to whether Mike Ashley will be blessed with any better options.

At first glance, giving Vieira his big break could give the impression of starting afresh that is necessary for a Newcastle side suffering another slump in their Premier League lives.

The Frenchman-heavy dressing room already incumbent at St James’ Park could provide him with an ideal canvas to work with, as the Toon look to deliver a consistently solid campaign that has been lacking in recent years.

But could his headstrong philosophy see him go the way of many a manager that have gone against the grain under Mike Ashley?

Having just completed his UEFA Pro Licence, Vieira spoke of how he “really knows which kind of manager” he “wants to be.”

With the Magpies’ owner having a habit of falling out with his managers, Vieira’s mantra that he wants to work under owners “that don’t try to put something in his head”, could fall foul to Ashley and co.

If reports are to be believed the 107-capped former France international is one of a handful of managers on the short-list to replace John Carver.

However, it could be that he is the only candidate that would be interested.

Steve McClaren (6/5) ruled himself out of the running for the role before the end of the season, however having been subsequently sacked by Derby, it could be said that he was simply being respectful for his then-employers.

Elsewhere, Remi Garde has this week been reported to be out of the running after bizarrely complaining at the lack of art galleries in Newcastle.

The former Lyon boss remains a 10/1 to take over in the north-east, and like Vieira, could become the only the third Toon boss to hail from outside the UK or Ireland.

However with the apparent lack of facilities in the city for the culture vulture, a move may well remain off.

So with his nearest two rivals apparently ruling themselves out of the running, Vieira looks a fair price to step into the hotseat.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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