Frank Lampard Favored to Replace Steve Bruce as Newcastle Manager

If you have been following the Newcastle United saga lately, you will know that Steve Bruce’s days at St. James’ Park are numbered.

You may be surprised to learn, however, that Frank Lampard is the bookies’ favorite to become the next Newcastle manager.

Bruce oversaw his 1000th game as a manager on Sunday, although he was unable to prevent a 3-1 defeat to Spurs. That will almost certainly be his last game as Newcastle boss.

Is Lampard the right man to lead the Toon Army into a new era? Or are there other candidates better suited for the job? Let’s look at the odds for the next Newcastle manager and go from there.

Many of the leading online soccer sportsbooks view Lampard as the frontrunner to replace Bruce as Newcastle boss. Yet, as you can see, the odds for the next Newcastle manager are tight.

Former Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre is among the bookies’ favorites, along with ex-Roma manager Paulo Fonseca.

Unai Emery, whose 18-month spell in charge of Arsenal ended in November 2019, is also in the mix. Liverpool legend – and current Rangers boss – Steven Gerrard is another realistic candidate.

Although Brendan Rodgers recently distanced himself from the job, the Leicester manager is still on the list. Antonio Conte, Roberto Martinez, Eddie Howe, and Jose Mourinho complete the top ten.

It’s time to take a closer look at the contenders.

Following a glittering playing career, Lampard’s managerial journey started over three years ago, when he was appointed as Derby Country boss in May 2018.

The newbie guided the second-tier side to the Championship play-offs in his first season in charge at Pride Park, only to fall to Aston Villa at the final hurdle.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Lampard’s managerial résumé is nothing special. Granted, he took Derby to the play-offs. But his managerial naiveties were exposed at Chelsea.

Given Lampard’s inexperience, it seems strange that the new owners of Newcastle would dismiss the uber-experienced Bruce and replace him with an unproven coach.

Favre and Fonseca are both realistic replacements for Bruce. Not only are they far more experienced than Lampard, but they are also looking for a job.

Emery and Gerrard would be tougher to appoint, as they are both currently occupied – managing Villarreal and Rangers, respectively.

With Rodgers seemingly out of the equation, Conte is an interesting option. If Newcastle is serious about becoming a “superclub”, then appointing an elite manager makes perfect sense.

At the end of the day, Conte has a proven track record of winning trophies. In between his successes in Italy, the 52-year-old guided Chelsea to the EPL title and an FA Cup triumph.

With Bruce’s dismissal imminent, those betting on the next Newcastle manager must act fast!