6 candidates for Newcastle's next manager as odds slashed on Bruce successor

Less than a week into Newcastle's new era and Steve Bruce has already been handed his P45.

The least surprising Premier League sacking in recent memory was confirmed on Wednesday as Bruce was relieved of his duties just a few days after handling his 1000th game in management.

Sunday's 3-2 defeat at home to Tottenham proved to be his final act as manager, after the Saudi-led consortium brought to an end his 27-month tenure.

Newcastle claimed on their website Bruce's departure was "by mutual consent", though the writing had been on the wall for the 60-year-old following the club's sale.

Graeme Jones is set to take charge of the team in the interim, but speculation has already been swirling around who could step into the hotseat at St. James' Park.

Here Mirror Football takes a look at X candidates for the role.

Paulo Fonseca

Paulo Fonseca almost ended up at Tottenham but could instead start the revolution on Tyneside ( Image:

DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

He looked to be on his way to Tottenham this summer before a late U-turn saw him pull out of contention for the gig in north London.

The 48-year-old could still find his way to the Premier League in the near future though, as bookies have slashed odds on Fonseca taking the reins on Tyneside.

Fonseca has enjoyed spells in charge of some of Europe's top clubs, including Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma.

It was with Shakhtar where Fonseca enjoyed the greatest success, leading the Ukrainian outfit to three successive titles.

Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe has been out of work since leaving Bournemouth ( Image:

PA)

A safe and available option, while not exactly a name to excite the fans following Newcastle's mega-money takeover.

But ex-Bournemouth boss Howe could be precisely what the Toon need in their current situation.

He's had experience of relegation battles previously and would implement a more attractive brand of passing football to appease the fans, who became disillusioned with the style adopted under Bruce.

Howe could also build Newcastle up gradually, given their route to the top is not likely to be quick or straightforward.

Some questions will be raised over his transfer dealings, though, with a number of big-money signings at Bournemouth not working out as hoped.

Lucien Favre

Lucien Favre has a good reputation and his style would appeal to Newcastle's fans ( Image:

Getty Images)

Another boss who is currently twiddling his thumbs waiting for the phone to ring.

Favre was most recently in charge at Borussia Dortmund, coaching the likes of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland in a side packed with youth and gusto.

His entertaining brand of football would suit Newcastle down to the ground and his success in Switzerland adds weight, with Newcastle's owners keen to fight for trophies.

He did reject the chance of a role in the Premier League as recently as this past summer, though, telling Crystal Palace he did not feel ready to return to management.

But the prospect of leading Newcastle's new project could be a different story.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard's stock is high amid his success at Rangers ( Image:

Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

No stranger to the English top-flight and a man whose stock as a manager only continues to rise, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could be an astute appointment for the new owners.

Gerrard led Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football last season and took them to the Europa League last-16.

It is no real secret Gerrard longs to return to the Premier League, with his sights set on replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool once he eventually steps down.

Those ambitions may well stand in the way of any role at Newcastle for the timebeing.

However, with Klopp's exit date not yet certain, Gerrard could be tempted by a short trip south of the border for a fresh challenge at Newcastle, where he will have untold financial backing.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard recently admitted he is "ready" to return to the dugout ( Image:

PA)

Out of work after being sacked by Chelsea, Lampard is eager to get back on the horse after learning some harsh lessons in his previous stint at Stamford Bridge.

The 43-year-old will not be abound by the same club loyalties as the aforementioned Gerrard, given his swift axing by Chelsea has now left the field pretty much clear.

Having already overseen a £200million transfer spree at Chelsea, he has no qualms about dealing with big budgets or big-name signings.

Some felt Lampard was not given a fair chance for the Blues, though remaining question marks over his experience could put Newcastle off.

Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez could be tempted by a route back into club football ( Image:

PA)

Former Everton and Wigan boss Martinez has been linked with an array of jobs over the past year and could welcome a return to club football.

Having already led Belgium into a World Cup and European Championships - without success - the 48-year-old may well feel there is little else for him to experience on the international stage.

A role at Newcastle would be his highest-profile job in management so far, and he would be handed a transfer kitty unlike anything he has worked with previously, which could appeal.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: "In football, you never know what tomorrow will bring. I get up every morning as if I were working for Belgium until the last day of my contract, but I realise that many circumstances can happen along the way."

That said, Belgium are among the sides tipped to go close at next year's World Cup and Martinez may want to have one last crack at a trophy before seeking pastures new.

Odds on Newcastle's next manager (supplied by William Hill ): Fonseca 11/10, Favre 3/1, Howe 10/3, Lampard 12/1, Gerrard 12/1, Martinez 18/1

*Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.