Exclusive: Astronomical Newcastle offer reported by reliable source, pundit hails masterstroke
Paul Robinson insisted the incoming Newcastle United owners would be pulling off a masterstroke by hiring a top-class director of football.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former England number one warned a close relationship between manager and director can only come from the executive choosing the manager.
Football Insider understands that the Amanda Staveley-led consortium is prioritising the appointment of a top-class director of football as well as a “world-beater” manager.
Mauricio Pochettino and Rafa Benitez have been regularly touted with replacing Steve Bruce if the £300million takeover of the club is completed.
Robinson was adamant that managers should not be targeted until a director of football is in place and suggested it could the work seamlessly.
“The director of football has to have a close relationship with the manager,” he told Football Insider.
“They have to be appointed before the manager is.
“It has to be them that choose the manager because the likes of Pochettino will only work under a director that they have respect for and probably one that employed them. That is when it would work.
“When the manager is there and a sporting director comes in above them they feel undermined. That is when the problems can start.
“It only works when the director employs the manager.”
L’Equipe reported last week that Lille’s current director of football has already rejected an “astronomical” offer to take the role.
Football Insider understands the club’s takeover is progressing well despite worries that TV piracy issues may scupper the deal.
In other Newcastle United news, it can be REEVEALED that a London club are plotting a swoop for Magpies ace who has house next to their training ground.