Garry Monk will not be considered as a potential replacement for Rafael Benitez if the Spaniard leaves Newcastle at the end of the week, according to Offthepitch.
Benitez’s future at St James’ Park is hanging in the balance, with talks between himself and Magpies owner Mike Ashley having stalled less than a week before the expiration of the manager’s contract.
Offthepitch says that Monk, 40 – who was sacked by Birmingham City earlier this month – was installed as the favourite by bookmakers to take over should Benitez leave.
The source adds, however, that Monk will in fact not be in the running to take over at Tyneside if the current boss departs.
OPINION
This report must be taken with care since, in football, anything can happen and there is every chance that there could be a u-turn of what would be seismic proportions that would keep Benitez at Newcastle. But if Benitez does leave – which is looking more and more likely as time goes by – then it is very interesting that, if true, Monk is not being considered. He was sacked by Birmingham not long ago and is currently out of work. It would make a lot of sense for the Magpies to consider the 40-year-old, since he is going to cost nothing in terms of having to pay compensation. Having said that, Newcastle want a manager who can take the club to the next level and who is ambitious. Does Monk have the credentials to fit that kind of bill? You wouldn’t say he has, but who else could you turn to? It is going to be a very interesting few days for Newcastle fans and their club. Watch this space.
