David O'Leary could be named new Newcastle boss within days
Published 20:31 10/08/09 By By Simon Bird
David O’Leary is within days of being appointed the next boss of Newcastle United - if Mike Ashley fails to sell up.
The Sports Direct tycoon has earmarked the former Leeds boss as the man to lead the Geordies in the Championship.
O’Leary will be appointed next weekend if Ashley can’t force through a take-over in the next few days.
Ashley is not convinced that the two bidders currently in talks with investment bankers Seymour Pearce have the funds to complete a deal at the price he wants.
He has demanded they come up with concrete proof of funds by Friday or the club will be taken off the market, and Ashley will risk the wrath of Geordie fans by ploughing on as owner for another season.
O’Leary has been without a job since July 2006 when he left Aston Villa, and will be the first port of call if the takeover talks break down.
He would be expected to deliver promotion on a shoe-string budget and continue the cull of big earners at St James’ Park. However, he would be allowed to bolster a squad that is growing weaker with every sale, with loan signings and bargain buys.
Ashley’s initial asking price was £100million, but the initial down-payment may end up much smaller. Tyneside businessman Barry Moat, who is being backed by US investors, has been in talks for weeks, but failed to agree a price and is concerned about the fine detail of the club’s finances.
That leaves the prospect of Newcastle fans’ nightmare scenario unfolding and Ashley deciding to call off the sale and give the club a new direction under a permanent boss.
Joe Kinnear has only been passed up for a return to Tyneside because he is still recovering his health after heart surgery.
