Manager for next season

[peter w]

Bruce isn't the worst shout however dirty it makes me feel. His defences tend to be okay and for the budget he works with he gets decent enough players. I think we didn't spend on Jan because we'll go for it in the summer.

[curiousorange]

I think the club know they need a 'name' manager. It's a statement of their own intent if nothing else.

[saunders_heroes]

I think the club know they need a 'name' manager. It's a statement of their own intent if nothing else.

Yep, and it has to be Moyes in my opinion.

[john e]

I think the club know they need a 'name' manager. It's a statement of their own intent if nothing else.

Yep, and it has to be Moyes in my opinion.

Also and I keep banging on about this Newcastle and Sunderland will most probably be down there with us with bigger average crowds better squads and big name managers in Rafa and big Sam

It's not going to be easy if that's the case

[VillaAlways]

I think the club know they need a 'name' manager. It's a statement of their own intent if nothing else.

Yep, and it has to be Moyes in my opinion.

Also and I keep banging on about this Newcastle and Sunderland will most probably be down there with us with bigger average crowds better squads and big name managers in Rafa and big Sam

It's not going to be easy if that's the case

I'd be amazed if he hadn't got a relegation release clause written into his contract

[curiousorange]

Newcastle and Sunderland will have similar problems to us: overpaid squad players, a drop in revenue and everyone wanting to beat them. It was also suggested by George Caulkin on Twitter the other day that relegation would be financially disastrous for Newcastle, who have all but bet the farm on staying up. I'd say a canny manager at the Villa wouldn't be that worried.

[Meanwood Villa]

Indeed. No chance Rafa's staying if he doesn't keep them up. Didn't seem too disappointed in post-match interview yesterday, don't think he's arsed.

[croatian]

I think the club know they need a 'name' manager. It's a statement of their own intent if nothing else.

Yep, and it has to be Moyes in my opinion.

Also and I keep banging on about this Newcastle and Sunderland will most probably be down there with us with bigger average crowds better squads and big name managers in Rafa and big Sam

It's not going to be easy if that's the case

I'd be amazed if he hadn't got a relegation release clause written into his contract

Apparently he has.

[Mister E]

Curbishley had prem experience and promotion experience. Might be an outside bet

I hope that is as tongue-in-cheek as I suspect it is.

[ozzjim]

Allardyce will get Sunderland back up, and Neil at Norwich will be top 6 if they drop. Newcastle will either have to sell a lot of players OR they will have the best squad on paper in the league by a mile. I think to finish top 3-4 in that division next season is going to be a mission. Whoever comes in has a huge job on their hands to get an 11 on the pitch that can fight for it, but also a squad in shape to cope with 46 league games plus 4-5 cup games next season.

[ozzjim]

Curbishley had prem experience and promotion experience. Might be an outside bet

I hope that is as tongue-in-cheek as I suspect it is.

Ex Villa. Proven record for what we want to do....

[PeterWithesShin]

Benitez confirmed the clause.

From the Beeb back in March

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that he has a break clause in his contract should they be relegated from the Premier League this season.

The Magpies are second-bottom, one point from safety with 10 games left.

When asked about the clause, the Spaniard, 55, said: "Some people can see this as special, but it's normal.

"I am trying to stay in the Premier League and if I have a compromise for the future, it's because I am convinced that we will do well. I want to stay."

[PeterWithesShin]

Curbishley had prem experience and promotion experience. Might be an outside bet

I hope that is as tongue-in-cheek as I suspect it is.

Ex Villa. Proven record for what we want to do....

He's out purely for the reason he can't say Birmingham.

[Des Little]

Allardyce will get Sunderland back up, and Neil at Norwich will be top 6 if they drop. Newcastle will either have to sell a lot of players OR they will have the best squad on paper in the league by a mile. I think to finish top 3-4 in that division next season is going to be a mission. Whoever comes in has a huge job on their hands to get an 11 on the pitch that can fight for it, but also a squad in shape to cope with 46 league games plus 4-5 cup games next season.

4/5 cup games? I'm liking your optimism there James

[ozzjim]

2 league cup (don't we go in before the 3rd round) and an FA Cup game if drawn against minnows we will likely get through. So on balance, we would play about 4.