Eric Black unsure of Aston Villa role past the end of the season
Caretaker manager Eric Black remains uncertain about his future at Aston Villa.
Black has lost his five games in charge since taking over from Remi Garde in March and Villa were relegated from the Barclays Premier League on his watch three weeks ago.
The 52-year-old was told he would be in the role until the end of the season, which is now just Saturday's home game against Newcastle and the trip to Arsenal on the final day of the campaign.
Nigel Pearson and David Moyes have been linked as possible long-term replacements for Garde but Black admits he remains in the dark about what might be next for him.
Asked about what is next for him after the game at the Emirates on May 15, the Scot said: "I am going home!
"I have been asked to take it to the end of the season and then I will go on holiday like everybody else.
"I don't know the ins and outs and details. There is an awful lot going on at the moment with regards to new ownership but the priority will be the new manager and that is not a problem for me."
Aly Cissokho is suspended for Villa on Saturday following his red card in the defeat to Watford. Rudy Gestede sustained a knock at Vicarage Road and is a doubt while Gabby Agbonlahor's club ban has been lifted but it remains to be seen whether he will be involved.
Villa will set an unwanted club record of 12 successive league defeats if they lose to Newcastle, surpassing the figures of the 1962-63 team - who were not relegated.
Vurnon Anita and Daryl Janmaat will battle it out for the right-back spot as Newcastle prepare for their crucial trip.
Midfielder Anita, who has filled in in Janmaat's absence, is fit after shaking off a muscle injury sustained against Crystal Palace while Janmaat has recovered from a groin problem and will wear a protective cast over his broken hand.
However, skipper Fabricio Coloccini (calf) is still sidelined along with goalkeepers Tim Krul and Rob Elliot (both knee) and defender Massadio Haidara (knee).
Rafael Benitez has warned Newcastle there is no room for complacency as they attempt to make the most of their second chance.
The Magpies hauled themselves out of the relegation zone as a result of last weekend's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, but with both Sunderland and Norwich below them having a game in hand, they head for already-relegated Aston Villa on Saturday knowing there is no margin for error.
Benitez said: "It's important to get this message: no complacency, concentrate. We have seen the last games of Aston Villa and they did well against Watford, they did really well.
"We play against Spurs in the last game, but the next one is the most important one because win this and we approach it with the fans behind us and it will be easier to keep everyone on their toes and motivated.
"For this game, we need to be sure that we are focused, and we can't lose our concentration."
Source: PAR
