{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Exclusive: Ex-striker backs ’Amazing’ Newcastle figure as exciting takeover detail emerges
Noel Whelan has claimed that Steve Bruce should be given the chance to continue the “amazing” work he has done at Newcastle United next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Jason Jones, the former Leeds United striker lavished praise on the Magpies boss for his efforts during his first campaign at St. James’ Park.
A recent report from The Shields Gazette suggested that a Singaporean consortium are eyeing up a bid to buy the club from Mike Ashley this summer.
The Sun then followed up that report with a separate piece claiming that Terence and Nelson Loh, the businessmen fronting that deal, are eager to bring Toon legend Alan Shearer into the dugout if they do take over on Tyneside.
But Whelan is not sure that it would be a wise move.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I think they’d get away with it because he is a club legend. But would he be the right man for the job? In my opinion, no.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
“I think Steven Bruce has done a fantastic job under really difficult circumstances. He should be given the opportunity to carry that on now that they Saudi consortium aren’t taking over.
“They were all for looking at a bigger manager, maybe Mauricio Pochettino, maybe Rafa Benitez. It’s one thing to talk about people with experience who have been in and around the game for a long period of time, but Alan hasn’t. He’s been doing a lot punditry.
“He might still have the desire to have another crack at it, but my first choice would be to give Bruce the opportunity because he’s done an absolutely amazing job.”
Shearer previously spent a brief spell as interim manager with his former club during the ill-fated 2008/09 campaign.
The ex-England international won just one of the eight games he took charge of, and was unable to prevent the Magpies from being relegated to the Championship.
In other Newcastle United news, Darren Bent has dropped a £5billion takeover claim as talks reportedly speed up.