Source: Daily_Mail
Martin Jol and Alan Pardew in the frame after Newcastle sack Chris Hughton
Former Tottenham boss Martin Jol has emerged as a shock contender to take over at Newcastle after betting was suspended on Alan Pardew being named as Chris Hughton's successor. [LNB]As players and fans reacted angrily to Hughton's sacking, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was trying to find the successor to the man who guided the club back to the Barclays Premier League, thrashed Sunderland in the derby six games ago and left them in 12th place. [LNB] Former West Ham boss Pardew was initially the bookies' favourite and betting was suspended during the day. But within hours of the sacking, Jol - for whom Hughton worked as No 2 at White Hart Lane - quit at Ajax, prompting a fresh flurry of bets. [LNB] On his way: Chris Hughton leaves St James' Park for the final time on Monday[LNB]Sources in Holland say Jol has a real desire to work in the Premier League again and would be interested in the Newcastle job but he may be offered a return to Hamburg - the club he left to take charge at Ajax in 2009. [LNB]Ashley faces the near-impossible task of winning over the fans with his next move after the popular Hughton's exit. Even the appointment of Geordie legend Peter Beardsley as interim boss has failed to appease supporters. Hughton had fought attempts to bring in the new reserve coach as his assistant for weeks. [LNB]Fans inundated websites and radiostations in support of Hughton and furiously attacked owner Mike Ashleyand managing director Derek Llambias for their decision. [LNB]Veterandefender Sol Campbell, 36, also revealed the anger and bewilderment inthe dressing room.[LNB] In the frame: Alan Pardew (left) and Martin Jol are the leading contenders to replace Chris Hughton[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Has Ashley got it wrong by sacking Toon boss Hughton? Chris Hughton has sensationally been axed by Newcastle despite his impressive reign at St James' Park. The manager delivered promotion at the first attempt before comfortably guiding them to mid-table in the Premier League. Do you think chairman Mike Ashley has scored an own goal? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK The defender, a Hughton summer signing, said: 'Thismakes no sense. He got the club back into the Premier League and anymanager would have been rewarded for that with a new contract - butChris wasn't. When we left training this morning none of the playershad a clue this was coming. [LNB]'It will affect the dressing room, nodoubt about that. It will hit the players hard. The players admiredhim, and liked him, and won't be happy now he's gone like this.'[LNB]Several bookmakers have suspendedbetting on Pardew taking over at St James' Park. He won promotion withWest Ham and reached the FA Cup final before being sacked four yearsago, and was also relegated with Charlton. [LNB]He also won last season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy with Southampton and nearly guided them to the play-off places despite the club's 10-point deduction. He was sacked in August. [LNB]Sportsmail revealed in October that only a late equaliser against Wigan saved Hughton, 51, from the sack, but this was dismissed by the club. His deal was due to run out in May after he was appointed permanently 13 months ago. [LNB]Hughton said: 'I'm immensely proud of my achievements with Newcastle and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, my staff and the supporters during my time as manager. I now wish them and the club all the very best for the future.' [LNB]But his departure was condemned by the League Managers' Association. [LNB]Richard Bevan, chief executive, said: 'The LMA is extremely disappointed . . . given the success the club have experienced since his appointment.' [LNB]He added that Hughton conducted himself with 'tremendous integrity and dignity' while at Newcastle.[LNB] Chris Hughton betrayal: Mike Ashley the assassin leaves Newcastle fans bewildered Matt Lawton: Why would anyone want to work for Mike Ashley now?LMA 'extremely disappointed' as axed Hughton wishes Newcastle wellShearer would consider Newcastle return despite shock over HughtonNewcastle sack Chris Hughton and spark hunt for 'more experienced' managerNEWCASTLE UNITED FC
