Following the sacking of Sir Bobby Robson Newcastle-Online have been inundated with e-mails from Toon supporters submitting their preferred choice as to who should replace Bobby.

David G - Anyone but Terry Venables. What has he done in the last couple of years. NOTHING! He shouldn’t be allowed to manage a pub team never mind NUFC Freddy. Don’t even dare because you will be getting size 9’s up that big arse of yours. My choice would be Martin O’Neill.

Collin S - I’d rather have Sir Clive Woodward than Venables…I’d rather have Peter Reid!!!

Marsei L - I think NUFC need to go for David O’Leary. He has impressed me much for Aston Villa who are an up and coming team due to his skills.

Martha B - Alan Shearer and Rob Lee with Peter Beardsley as the youth team coach.

Paul S - Is it true we are bringing in Venables? Well that’s my lot. I’m finished with them. I’ll follow the Toon on the radio but you’ll not catch me at SJP with that man in charge. Just kick us in the teeth FS why don’t you. Gutted!!!

Leeds Fan - Whilst I do see the irony in Newcastle United having El Tel as manager can I just say how shocked I am at the news. I think Freddy Shepherd is a horrible odious little man but I always thought he was a good Chairman. Sacking the much loved and respected Sir Bobby Robson and replacing him with a liar, a cheat and an overrated waster like El Tel will take Newcastle United back to the dark days where my beloved Leeds are currently at (sigh). Venables isn’t even a good coach - it’s a myth. I watched Leeds train many a time under El Tel and it was pretty basic even from a total amateur’s perspective such as mine. Although I write with a smirk I do hope you lot come out of this in better shape than we did. Somehow I very much doubt it. P.S How’s young Milner doing? Be patient with him and he’ll exceed your expectations. I used to watch him for the juniors, academy, reserves and then the first-team. He is every bit as talented as Wayne Rooney. Under El Tel he will disappear (sigh).

Laughing Stock - Why not Jeremy Beadle, he’d do a similar job to Venables. Can’t believe what’s happened and what’s going on. SACK THE BOARD!

Stephen T - Why not go for Ronald Koeman, or Lothar Mattheus, or Otto Rehhagel, or Guus Hiddink? Young British managers don’t have the skills to manage big clubs. That’s why they manage the likes of Bolton and Southampton. Why do Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have foreign managers? Because they are the best. Man Utd will also appoint a foreign man next - probably Sven. Look close to home and the candidates are average. Don’t be afraid to go with a foreign manager Shepherd. Arsenal weren’t and look at them. Ruud Gullit could have made a success of it had a certain 15m pound man not pushed him. On that note does anyone get the feeling Big Al is running things? He was the one who wanted Kenny Dalglish so we got him, he was the one who wanted Sir Bobby so we got him and now it seems he wants Terry Venables - will we get him? Probably. I feel cheated, disgusted and unhappy with our club. Any of the foreign names mentioned would bring success to Newcastle. Terry Venables and Alan Shearer won’t.

Samantha K - My boyfriend is a Celtic fan and he raves about O’Neill and though he’d kill me for saying it but we should get him. Just look at how Celtic have done in Europe.

Rob O - I concur with this websites sentiments regarding Terry Venables who isn’t fit to sit in a chair that SBR once sat at with pride and passion for his club. We need to bring in a man who has the respect of all Magpie fans and Terry Venables is not that man. Martin O’Neill, Alan Curbishley or Sam Allardyce would be the ideal replacement.

Chris T - Ottmar Hitzfeld please Freddy. You know it makes sense.

Mark B - I heard on a chat forum that Venables will be announced as our next manager. WTF is FS playing at? It’s him who wants sacked not SBR. I will rip up my season ticket if that man is appointed. We want a manager who isn’t looking for a big pay day, we want something long term FS. Oh well I guess it’s the radio for me on a Saturday because I’m not paying the wages of a Cockney Shyster.

Thomas F - Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Markus H - I am German and Ottmar Hitzfeld is legend in Munchen. He brung Champions League winners title to FC Bayern and was approached to take the NT job. I am big fan of the black & whites and would be proud of a German man to be in charge at Newcastle. Ottmar Hitzfeld will make Champions of Newcastle.

Brian C - A Geordie with years of experience and triumphs has just become available - surely such a man would interest NUFC? Oh I forgot…anyone but Terry Venables, the overrated Martin O’Neill and Steve McClaren. I would preferably like a combination of Alan Shearer and King Kev. I can live and dream…

Mark L - The club must not rush this. It appears FF is interviewing several candidates which is a good way of finding the right man IMO but with wideo’s like El Tel I fear he will be smoothed over and swayed to appoint him. I bloody hope not as he would be the last man for the job, especially given the wide array and variety of good managers that are out there. Martin O’Neill, Alan Curbishley, Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce just to name a few and further afield, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Hector Cuper, Otto Rehhagel and many more. Use this international break to find the right man FF, don’t rush it.

Carley S - Does it really matter who becomes the next man in the hot seat? Aren’t they all destined to fail? Sorry for this rather sombre outlook but this is how I feel and I think things are going to get a hell of a lot worse before they get better as long as we have an idiot in control of our club. Give it to Sooty…

No Name - I will personally hunt down Fat Fred and slap him with a big wet fish (I work in the market) if he brings in Bling Bling man Terry Venables. The Kieron Dire-bolical of footy management. How could he even be considered. Doesn’t Fat Fred realise he’s a snake. Ooops, so is Fat Fred. Oh well they’ll get on like a house on fire. I’m off to slap myself with a big wet fish and when I wake up hopefully this nightmare will all be a dream.

Fat Fred Out - Terry Venables? Terry Venables? Ya a’ven a laugh aint’cha. Does Fat Fred have any brains? This is a man that told Leeds fans that Woodgate wouldn’t be sold and then a day later we bought him. Hang on a minute…is Fat Fred Terry Venables because didn’t he also say Woodgate wouldn’t be sold??? OH NO! WE ARE LEEDS UNITED!!! Disgraceful if he gets anywhere near SJP and a kick in the bollox to us all. Fat Fred wants hanged if he brings in El desperado. In fact he wants hanged regardless. FAT FRED OUT!

Mike - We need a tough, tactically astute, modern manager who is capable of building an attractive team that knows how to win games. Step forward Mr Hitzfeld who is both available and willing. We need this type of manager who has dealt with big name players and big expectations. He won Bayern Munich the Champions League just a few years back for christ sake. What higher qualification does he need. Terry Venables isn’t fit to lace his boots. Nobody that is realistically available is. Here is an outstanding manager who we could only dream of getting a few years back and he wants to manage the Toon. Hello…we should send out a private jet to bring him here, roll out the red carpet and hand him the keys to SJP. I can’t believe the likes of Venables, McClaren, Allardyce and O’Neill are being mentioned when a Champions League winner with years of experience is waiting for a phone call. Does anybody at our club have any brains? Seriously someone somewhere must have mentioned this guy’s name. I implore that all Toon fans get on the blower to NUFC and the Chronicle and demand Hitzfeld be appointed as Sir Bobby’s successor. Unfriggingbelievable if we don’t bring him here.

Mandy - Alan Shearer. He is perfect for the job.

Andrew P - Big Phil is the best man for the Job. El Tel is a joke. His record is poor. He has won next to nowt and he’s a cockney. Big Phil is a World Cup winner and a strong manager. Plus he’s not a cockney.

Robin G - Ottmar Hitzfeld. Class act.

Mikul - Phil Scolari - the Portugal manager (former Brazil Manager) or Del Bosque former Real Madrid manager who signed Ronaldo.

Graeme - How about Hitzfeld - seemed to have had success with Bayern and his teams play attacking football. Or of course any one but Venables.

Steve R - Without a doubt we have talent…however, also without a doubt is our inability to defend for toffee. George Graham built Leeds (without spending) into the club that O’Leary got the credit for. He organised Spurs into a cup challenging and league improving side and was only sacked because of his wages and the Arse links. George could well provide the structure we need (and he would get rid of Dyer; although we might lose the likes of Robert as well). Martin O’Neill needs no words but is unlikely to join our sorry ranks.

Gaz M - Wow, what a choice we have (not). Who was the first to suggest Paul Sturrock or Gordon Strachan, (what you on about soft lad) we’re the Toon for god’s sake. I’d like to see Martin O’Neill personally but that’s unlikely, maybe even O’Leary. If there is a god, I’d love to see King Kev walk back on to the St. James’ Turf. What about Fat Fred, he seems to make most of the decisions anyway, lets see that git fall flat on his irritating arse.

AAW - Dearie me…how have we gotten into this position? Scrabbling around for names, most of whom are crap in one way or a dozen, and THEN, hoping they’d actually come to us. I never thought I’d see the day that George Graham would become a vaguely attractive option. Out of Craig Hope’s list, and my own based on those put forward by various media organisations, mixed in with a bit of likelihood, Gordan Strachan stands out as one of, if not the top choice. He fits the (admittedly limited) criteria put down by the club (British, pretty strict and fairly youthful), and, whilst the biggest club he’s managed is Southampton, a manager can’t get European experience if he’s not allowed to have any. There will come a 3-5 year spell in time where all the experienced managers in Europe will retire and clubs will be confronted with a choice of inexperience, or nothing. Whilst he’s not as proven as we could wish, he has the character we fans want and the players appear need. Geographical background is simply not an issue to me. If he can love us, and we can love him, I don’t care if he’s from Newcastle, Nuremberg, Northampton or Napoli. I see Martin O’Neill is something approaching the popular choice, but I disagree. I think he’s unproven, overrated as a result and most likely could not handle the “unique” problems NUFC inevitably throws at the best of men - Knights of the Realm, even.

There are various accounts of him throwing fits and even physically running away from journalists who were approaching in a not exactly threatening manner. I’m not totally against a tempory option of sorts (probably where Graham could come in, just to make the little bastards yomp across the Northumberland moors for 6 months), but I would much prefer a manager appointed for the long-term, given the power a new manager should have and an ambition to create a dynasty. If Shearer isn’t going to take this chance (not that I necessarily want him to), he should be prepared to wait anything up to a decade before his next chance (it all depends on the new manager’s success, of course). What I’d like to know is, why a few fairly obvious candidates haven’t been mentioned, given who else has been.

I’d take Iain Dowie or Chris Coleman, for instance, over Keegan (never go back, times change), Venables (long-term, at least) or O’Leary (seemingly a decent manager, is odious, however) any day. There is always another OAP we could give a crack…managed Forest a few years back… Whoever comes in ought to drop Shearer in his first match as a symbolic gesture and drop him at will for the rest of the season, should he see fit to. Whoever it is, no matter what or how much strife is caused, the good will of being the new manager MUST see him through the season till Shearer’s retirement, so as not to forever taint his reign and see it dead before it ever lived.

Richard S - He came to us first in a wicker basket carried by Arthur Cox…he came to us again with disciples called Peter, Andrew, Sir Les, Daveed, Batty, Asprilla, The General, Albert…He has wandered the wilderness for far more than his 40 days and nights…Is it not time for our Messiah to return…? His citadel awaits….(Just bring Wright-Phillips with you! Swap you Dyer) Given the names being bandied about at present, we could surely do a lot worse (and seemingly no better.) A view from an ex-pat Geordie in Australia.

Peter T - Double K! I am 51, best football I have ever seen here. transparent fix Michael T - I think every Newcastle fan should copy the story “we want answers Freddie Shepherd” and e-mail it to them at Nufc.co.uk website, as a petition. We may also get some honest answers!!!!!

Mik - Steve Bruce - we will become even more boring to watch. Keegan - has thrown too many dummies from the pram, I am sure he has more to throw. Venables - over hyped useless w@nker. Shearer - not just yet, maybe in a year or two. Strachan - would run after 5 months needing a rest from the pressure. I would be thankful for: Allardyce - takes shit from no one. O’Leary - does know his stuff but have to be careful he doesn’t overspend or we will do a Leeds. Sir Clive - he would not waste a minute in getting rid of half our present w@nkers.

Bryan M - I would like either Gordan Strachan or Sam Allardyce to be our next boss. Strachan is a passionate man who would not take any shit off wasters like Dyer or anyone else. He would bring fresh ideas, fresh tactics and understands the need for attacking football. Only problem is he wears a Burberry tie. As for Allardyce I would also like him in charge as he can get the best out of his players, wouldn’t take any crap and seems to be able to create team unity (he’s done it at Bolton with admirable efficiency). But please FF not Terry Venables. Do we really want a cockney slime ball like him at our club. Also what has he ever won in his career. Nowt that’s what. Please FF, Strachan or Allardyce.

No Name - Phil Scolari there is only one answer.

Shotgun Mick - We need someone to see us to the end of the season and keep us up, then move for O’Neill in the summer. He surely is ready for a new challenge.

James L - Ideally, Kev and Al. Kev wouldn’t have left if he’d had proper support from the board. Failing that a TOP (foreign) coach. Not manager, coach! Bielsa, Scolari. Look at Euro 2004. The coaches made the difference.

MD - O’Leary, O’Leary, O’Leary…his record is almost perfect, he worked with some of the best youngsters in the game at leeds; Milner, Smith, Woodgate, Bowyer etc and showed them the way. He made it to the Champions League Semi Final and then after mysteriously being sacked by psycho Risdale he moved to Villa. Villa were shocking before he took over and with one or two buys he turns them around. They should’ve finished above us last year. He’ll not take and shit off Mrs Dire and he may bring Nobby back in the new year!!!

Jeff - David O’leary. Reason; anyone who can get Nobby for 1.5m has my vote any day.

Michael C - Keegan - unfinished Business!

Pearson - Steve Bruce. Simple as that, he is the man.

Adam - Most of my own vitriol of recent days has been aimed at Freddy Shepherd but I can’t get out of my mind comments made on other NUFC sites and in the press about the influence of the biggest plonker ever to walk through the doors of SJP (big statement, namely, Douglas Hall). Stories I heard of his behaviour years ago from people who claimed to be in the know made me embarrassed to be a Geordie, never mind NUFC. The way he behaved during the Asprilla transfer to the Parma top brass being one horrendous example. The guy is an absolute tosspot and unfortunately for all of us, has the controlling stake in the business. Freddy is the public face of the PLC only because Douglas Hall can not be. His name is muck in the financial city and in our own city. Freddy may not be the big eejit he has come across as during this most absurd and gutting months in NUFC’s recent history. You are right, Freddy does need to answer the questions you have posed but I will be very surprised if we hear anything. For the record - a disciplinarian and a good quality coach needs to be brought in. Gordon Strachan would be my first choice but i’m not sure if he has a favoured coach he works with who would form a quick and strong alliance. Essential to rest control/establish leadership of footballing matters away from a dressing room with likes of Dire in it.

Harry H - Clive Woodward for motivation or Alan Shearer.

Dev - Freddy man you have totally lost the plot. You can only drive North Freddy cos you’ll never got over the Tyne Bridge. Surely you can’t be so stupid enough to gamble everything we have on an 18 year old kid who the whole country knew was destined for Man Utd? What about the gaping hole left between our full backs? Hughes and O’Brien would struggle in the Mickey Mouse Championship. Get someone in on loan and explain yourself, we as your employer order you to explain or step down, and ye can put that 15 million quid back n’all.

Aaron R - I think Keegan should take the high seat because he is the only man suited for it. He fumbled near the end last time but with his experience now, Keegan’s Newcastle and Shearer will be unstoppable.

Mick W - George Graham. He Will Instill Discipline of which is greatly needed. He will settle the defence. The forwards will benefit greatly. He will also add great team spirit and boost morale.

Mark E - I would like to see Mike Newell as the new boss.

Geordie Pete - Martin O’Neill. At any price. He is hard enough, disciplined enough and just a little crazy enough!

Nik - Alan Curbishley by a mile. Who cares if Curbs isn’t a house hold name. We hired Gullit and Dalglish to no avail. We hired Sir Bob, who I deeply thank as he saved this club from turmoil but no one realises, but did not manage to give us a trophy. People say we need a famous name or we wont be as attractive to other players but the way the club is at the moment I wouldn’t blame any player for not coming to NUFC - Rooney. Curbs is the man to take over as he can turn a football club into one big family. We need that. We don’t want Dyer as he is one of the people who have tarnished the reputation of this club. Shame on him. We cannot afford to have a temporary management or players will still take the liberties and we will go no where. I’d rather take Houllier on a long term contract than a joint management even though I absolutely hate Houllier but we need stability right now not short term answers. I say we invest our 23.5m available in Wenger. Now there’s a thought…

Paully - Ottmar Hitzfeld for me. Champions League winner, German Champions and available. Give the man a phone Fatty. Other than Ottie, O’Neill who would kick those under performing arses so hard their heads would pop our their necks. That’s my two choices. Anyone else would be a step down from SBR. Please don’t even consider puce face McClaren or Vegetables. Unless you want to be driven out of Toon you fleecing scally.

Martin P - Martin O’Neill has all the credentials and we have the money to pay for any compensation package. He is the ideal man for the job and has proved himself to be able to deal with pressure. If not MO then Sam Allardyce who I’ve always felt could work wonders with a big club. I doubt he’s fashionable enough though…Oh and FF, WE WANT SOME ANSWERS!

David L - Out of all the possible candidates from Craig Hope’s list I would plump for O’Leary or Sam Allardyce.

Chris C - Hitzfeld is THE man Freddy. He’s available and has the skills for the job. Won the CL with Bayern, has developed class players like Elber and his teams play attractive football. Furthermore his teams don’t concede many goals. He IS the outstanding choice. A world-class coach who could do a Wenger and transform NUFC. That’s what we need. New and fresh ideas, a more continental approach. We had our fingers burnt with Gullit but he is no Hitzfeld. Get him snapped up before an AC Milan or another big club does. He is staring us right in the face.

David G - O’Neill, Curbs or one of Hitzfeld and Del Bosque. I’m not fussed. Either of them would do the job.

Mel - Firstly we should never have got rid of Sir Bobby and secondly thanks for the fine mess you have put us in Freddy Shepherd. You should be ashamed and held accountable for you pathetic management of affairs this past few weeks. Now who can come in and replace Sir Bobby? Bolton’s Sam Allardyce. He has new ideas and doesn’t stand for any nonsense or prima donna’s and he could bring with him JJ Okocha a player who can replace the wizardry of Pedro which we have been lacking ever since he left. Big Sam please.

Carl P - Martin O’Neill should be handed the reigns to drag this club back to the top just like he did with Celtic. As a fellow Irishman he would be my choice as he is a great manager and just what we need. Steve Bruce would also make a good choice.

Sue M - How about Claudio Ranieri? Chelski played good attractive football and had a mean defence (they still do). He is tough on discipline and can attract the top names. very unlucky to get the chop at Chelski.

James S - Big Sam is my choice. He has proved with Bolton that he has what it takes. He has assembled a team that plays for the badge and one that never gives up. He’s tactically astute and knows how to create a team who work hard. Give the job to him FS. He is our man.

Johnny B - Ottmar Hitzfeld. he has experience at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, he has won trophies galore and he managed to make the FC Hollywood prima donnas play well for him. I feel he could instill discipline at the club, from top to bottom, overhauling the under performing youth academy and ensuring FF stays out of the limelight. He could improve the defence while keeping the traditional attacking flair that Newcastle sides invariably possess. However the best thing about Hitzfeld is that he managed to guide Borussia Dortmund, a club of similar size to Newcastle Utd, to two league championships in the Bundesliga, and to Champions league glory. If he could do that at Newcastle, he would be the best manager in English football history. He is by far and away the best name put forward for the job so far. And for those who don’t want a foreigner in charge - get real and stop being so parochial! P.S. No El Tel.

Nigel - A Following press conference should be made: Fat Fred tells the fans he got it wrong, steps down as Chairman, reemploys Sir Bob on a one year rolling contract, Shearer goes to Celtic on a one year loan deal, we get our defender from them, Sir Bob tries to get the signing of Woody to Real made void with FIFA, based on the state of the Chairman’s mental health at the time, this backed up by the Chronicle. All Toon fans forming a sit down in front of the ground tomorrow lunch time and every English fan at the game on saturday showing banners of “we wont Bobby”. If we don’t act now as fans we are going to end up with barrow boy Tel and first division footie soon. We can see the signs. Act now…

Colin - My top 3 is Hitzfeld, Hitzfeld and Hitzfeld…I hope I made my point clear.

Stephen E - I would like to see George Graham cos he’s a strict manager and he wouldn’t put up with the crap off the players and he has won things in the past and he would sort our defence out. We need a manager who wins things, Bruce and Allardyce haven’t won anything.

Kenneth F - Question: What have Mourinho, Ferguson, Benitez and Wenger all got in common? Answer: They have all won league championships before coming to their respective clubs. Terry Venables has fantastic experience at all levels of the game. His track record with England, Barcelona, Spurs etc. prove that. If he wanted the job he should be very seriously considered.

Chrisy S - Without a doubt Ottmar Hitzfeld. I’ve been calling for his name to be thrown in before Bobby was sacked. He’s strict, he’s a winner, and everything we need. Get it sorted Freddy.

Thomas - Hitzfeld…but as that wont happen - Bruce.

Mimo - I think we must follow the four teams above us and obtain a top grade manager one who has already managed a team successfully. I’d go for O’Neill then Deschamps, McClaren, Moyes or Strachan. They are all proven, up to date, and tough.
Jay - Is it possible that Woodgate was sold because the board thought they could nick Rooney ahead of the others, who they thought had spent-up for the summer; Robson complained, Rooney fell through, we lose and then Robson is sacked. Selling one let us bid for the other, so they’re definitely related. Guess we’ll have to wait for SBR’s autobiography for the rest, and even then he probably has too much honour to dish the full dirt. We aren’t going to get a better manager than SBR 4 games in to the season, so here’s a formula for the board to use, seeing how they run everything else: penalty shoot outs and one to one run ins with Given to decide the strikers; 20 times round the park, a decent cross and a geometry test for the midfield; and whoever has no intuition, can’t handle quick movement, crosses and set pieces can play in central defence. Given plays unless injured.

Allistair S - Glenn, Eileen, and a crystal ball.

Gordon M - If we are looking at Shearer in the long term I would have someone like George Graham or Terry Venables for now with Big Al alongside him, especially as Shearer and Venables used to get on so well. I would like to see Martin O’Neill but he will stay at Celtic until the Man Utd job comes up. I don’t want McClaren, Bruce or Allardyce, especially Bruce as Birmingham are awful to watch and the smoggies are no better.

Craig H - My choices: 1st choice = Allardyce, 2nd = O’Neill, 3rd = Curbishley, 4th = O’Leary.

Jamie F - Keegan back to the Mags? Tactically inept, showing no signs of succeeding at another sleeping giant, Man City, and hardly the guy to sort out our defence. Yet another insult to the fans if it occurs. Shearer - we need a fresh start, and Shearer is already part of the camp, so not ideal as a long-term replacement. Big Sam - big personality, often applauded for his forward-looking training techniques, seems custom made for the job. No-one can complain about the fact that he isn’t a big name, as he always brings in exciting transfers to Bolton. Martin O’Neill - perfect! Exactly what we need, but does he want to come to a club in turmoil? Lets wait and see…Steve Bruce - it’d be nice, but I can see him waiting around for the Man Utd or England post. He’s got nothing to lose at Birmingham.

Matthew S - Sam Allardyce because he has done so much at Bolton.

Graeme C - If he could be convinced to go back into management I think Gordon Strachan would be an excellent choice. His ability to get the best from teams without any money for transfers could solve the apparent dressing room problems at NUFC. That and as a manager he doesn’t take shit from players acting up, he has a great record for sorting things out, and I’m sure the money available would be well spent on solving defensive problems come the summer, after the team has once again become a TEAM. And here’s the good bit - if he really wants out of the game in the long term then Shearer alongside him while we get the moral of the team back on track could then be a direct successor to take Newcastle to the top.

John - Mark Hughes, Martin O’Neill or Sam Allardyce. I think we need a strong character, Good man-manger, strategically astute, very hard work ethics, Mr Motivator, fear factor, and of course someone who has proven themselves. These have and my wish would be in this order. WE need to clear out the back room staff too and replace them with top class in each field - we need to adopt the latest new techniques on training, diet, medical - too many injuries!! Too Tired!! Proper diet, not what seems to be the diet of booze and late nights. here’s a chance to do it right, hope you (Mr Shepherd) have the balls do it.

Toby - Scolari, it’s got to be, he would attract all the up and coming Brazilians and Portuguese. Don’t think he’d come here but you never know, couple of mill a year might do it.

Tom - Next manager should simply be Kevin Keegan. Great man, great times…

B. Keatting - I will like Ottmar Hitzfeld to be the next manager. He is an outsider and has the pedigree to take us to higher heights.

Joe - David O’Leary.

Kyle M - It has to be Martin O’Neill. He would bring discipline to the dressing room and I’m sure he could work with the defence, we have to get them in order. If not, Sam Allardyce could be good, and Shearer would get their respect, but I don’t know how he would handle the actual tactical stuff.

Duncan R - There’s only one option: Martin O’Neill. We wouldn’t always get the type of football we want, but we’ve had that before and what have we won? It’s no good with being second best anymore, we need to win. Let’s face it, we have been watching dull, long ball crap for 18 months. For a team supposedly full of talent, they seem to be lacking any inspiration at all. Sir Bobby has tried to bring in the right players and teach them how to play but they have let him and us down monumentally. We need someone to take them to task, tell them to deliver or leave, and start to show a bit of pride in playing for our club. Not only this, Mr O’Neill certainly wouldn’t tolerate the media circus, fueled by our chairman and his parasites. Maybe that is why he is a “non starter” according to the press. FF knows he would not be able to further his own private publicity campaign with him in charge of the team?

Luke S - Not sure about him personally, but I think O’Leary could do well with our squad and our chairman’s money…But, for me Ottmar Hitzfeld has to be the choice. He’s won everything in Germany, and won the Champions League twice (with different clubs). A religious, no-nonsense character he would whip the squad into shape, and is known to believe that all great sides concentrate on defending! Could be just what we need, plus he’s unemployed at the moment so he would be able to join immediately without any protracted compensation wrangle. Though Freddy should hurry up and ask him before he goes for the German national job…

Mickey S - It should be Gordon Strachan as he, apart from Shearer, would be the only one to stand up to Fat Fred and get the best out of our young players because if they don’t give 100% he wouldn’t hesitate in dropping them no matter who they are. He should be the no. 1 choice as he doesn’t take no crap.

Jamies A - I will personally chin Fat Freddy if I ever see him and he doesn’t sign Ottmar Hitzfeld or Phil Scolari, forget English get one of the two managers with the best credentials in the world!!! How many EPL managers have won the World Cup?

Billy W - Same old story from the 70s and 80s sack the board and bring back Sir Bobby. If not lets have a top manager like Scolari etc. It’s our club Shepherd not yours. transparent fix Dave E - I’d like to see KEEGAN as next manager. We were the most attractive team in Europe, and a whisker away from the success we all crave. But I doubt the board would ever consider his return, nor would KK come back, given the way things ended last time.

Joe C - Kim and Aggie from that Cleaning show. Sweep out from top to bottom from that waster/w@nka (delete as you deem appropriate) Douglas Hall/Fat Freddy to our multitude of prima donna players. We are the laughing stock of the whole division.

Nader S - I suppose we all have our own favourites but I think the time has come for Newcastle to distance itself from the secularism that has pegged the club back for so many years and rather than choosing a new manager based on Geordie sentiments and old values to embark upon a new journey and instate a manager capable of modernising all aspects of our beloved football club. Such candidate would need to be a well organized leader and posses technical & tactical ability at the highest level with the necessary experience to carry the team to such levels. Unfortunately the names on the top ten candidates list (based on betting odds, Blue square) do not exactly reflect my opinion. Alan Shearer, Terry Venables, Gordon Strachan, Steve Bruce, Sam Allardyce, Steve McClaren, Martin O’Neill, Alan Curbishley, George Graham and Gerard Houllier. Ok McClaren & O’Neill may well go on to be world class coaches but are we in a position to gamble on yet another “maybe”. There is however one man out there who posses such qualities and has experience at the highest level. Ottmar Hitzfeld. Go on, tell me he is German and hence unsuitable to occupy the great Geordie seat…I suppose Keegan it is then!

Andrew B - The next management team should be Newcastle’s favourite sons, Kevin Keegan & Alan Shearer, however it is the back room staff & in particular the training methods which need the biggest overhaul - we desperately need ex pro players who understand what is needed to play in the premiership, someone who has only just finished their playing career in the last few years.

Patrick - The best boss we could get would be Sam Allardyce. He has made Bolton a top quality side from a battling relegation favourite. With all the great players we have at Newcastle he’d make us an even better team, the sky is the limit.

Steve H - I think it should be King Kev! Anybody else would be a step down as far as I’m concerned!

Assaan - I think it would be a good revolution to see back Kevin Keegan. He got us in the Premiership and his managerial expertise would be good for Newcastle United FC. Hopefully he’ll bring along Shaun Wright too!!!!

Dave D - I think me and me mates could do a better job than the names being banded about. Fat Fred needs a good slap for not bringing in a defender too. It’s never boring being a Toon fan - lets see who does come in.

Richard - Holy mother of God…McClaren??? Venables???? Keegan (again)????? I even saw the name of George Graham mentioned. I sincerely hope these names are all appearing because the press are as clueless as we think they are. Personally I’d not be distraught if Big Sam Allardyce turned up. He always look like a throwback to the 70’s but the more you read and hear about him the better his style of management appeals. Who else…I’m surprised Martin O’Neill isn’t linked every 20 minutes but I think we all assume he’s waiting for Ferguson to drop dead so he can join the Mancs’. So who else…O’Leary…no thanks, Houlier…christ on a bike are we that desperate. In reality I think it’s whoever we can get…or all the fans could take turn. Now there’s an idea…

Keith - Coco the clown. Somebody needs to be in charge of the circus.

Joe - After the fumbling second rate handling of Robson’s sacking comes a second rate list of potential replacements, McClaren, Bruce, “Del Boy” Venables and Allardyce. Can you imagine Arsenal, Chelsea or Man U even considering any of this lot? Can we assume that the vision Hall talked about in the past of us being up there with the best in Europe has gone. Some of us fans still have that vision but it will not be achieved with second and third rate coaches. Let’s look at some of the best in the world, what about Phil Scolari or Didier Deschamps for starters.

No name - Big Phil of Portugal.

Keith - There are 2 options: (1) get someone with vast experience to take FULL charge for the remainder of this season. (Sounds like Shearer doesn’t wanna give up on his paying career just yet, Someone like Sir Bobby himself would be perfect for that role). I think that was our original plan. I’m not a big fan of this idea, but if I had to pick someone now I’d go for Gordon Strachan or someone tough in discipline. (2) Go for a Martin O’Neill, Alan Curbishley, or even a Chris Coleman now and offer Shearer a coaching role at the end of the season with a view to make him a manager few more years down the track. Also, isn’t it about time we went out and got a real first team coach??? what’s that former liverpool assistant’s name? Phil Thompson?? He’s unemployed isn’t he?

Mark P - Bring back Kevin Keegan with Alan Shearer as his assistant player manager. Two people who know the club inside out.

Jim - Sad to see Bob go, but the football world goes on. Let’s go get Martin O’Neill, he’ll sort out the King of Bling and his band of young pretenders. PS. Why oh why didn’t we make a realistic attempt to sign a decent centre back??? Sniff…

Bjorn O - I’m getting sick of only hearing British names getting linked. At the moment no one good enough is available. But even if there where good British coaches available I wouldn’t want us to go for them. I think we need an experienced coach from an other league to get the most out of our squad. Ottmar Hitzfeld is available and would be my first choice. I think some German structure and organization would make us fantastic. Christophe Daum is an other great coach with a great rep from the players he has had and I think we could get him here. Hector Cuper is also a very good coach that we should go for. Hiddink and Van Gaal are also fantastic coaches.

Steve K - In order of preference: 1. O’Neill, 2. O’Dreary, 3. Wee Gordie, 4. Big Sam, 5. Big Al

Brian - If we want a “permanent” boss we have to look at (albeit unlikely) Eriksson, perhaps Martin O’Neill - managers of that stature. If we want Shearer then we have to look at someone alongside him like Keegan or Venables for a season or two. We need someone who will keep us in the Premiership Freddy!

Bazza - Gordon Strachan or Glenn Hoddle. Definitely not McClaren or Venables. A new chairman would be nice as well, but as we never got our centre half, I suppose that’s too much to ask for!

Christer W - We need a foreigner as manager, to catch up with the other clubs in the main frame such as Arsenal and Manure. Well I personally always been a favorite for Brazilian and Portuguese Players, so Scolari should be a good idea…just a thought!

Nico - Alan Shearer.

Paula - As a Lancashire based Geordie lass I have to say Sam Allardyce who has done wonders at Bolton Wanderers on a nothing budget. He has brought them up and consolidated them in the Premiership. They play attractive football and don’t get hammered very often if at all. They finished 3 points behind us last year. Bring Jay Jay with you Sam.

Mark B - Sir Bobby Robson - the ideal man for the job.

Chris T - Tactically aware. Experience of the European scene. Proven track record of winning trophies. Touch and big on discipline. Available. can cope with expectations and demands. Can delegate with a pushy Chairman. Can create a team spirit. Know’s how to build solid defences and strong attacking play. Who am I talking about? Why Ottmar Hitzfeld of course. Bring him to SJP FS like yesterday. Snap him up before someone else does. Probably Germany or an Italian/Spanish team.

Simpson - Alan Curbishley has done a good job at Charlton so why not him? Charlton play some super football and seem a well run organised club. A family type club. That’s what we need more than ever now so he would be a worthy replacement for SBR.

Paddy - I think we should bring Harry Redknapp in. He doesn’t stand for any crap either and his knowledge of the lower Leagues and freebie market is second to none. He’s cavalier like King Kev and will put a smile on our faces. At least this cockney has a good record unlike Terry Venables. What on earth is FS thinking…

Marco R - Being a Geordie Italian I take a keen interest in Serie A and Marcello Lippi would be a great Toon manager. If not him Franco Baresi is keen to get into management or how about Vialli? He did a good job at Chelsea and although he didn’t do anything with Watford he does know the Premiership and has a good record with trophies. He could also attract big names as he did at Chelsea and he seems intelligent and affable enough to deal with the Geordie public. He’s a character. Worth a look Freddy.

Michael H - Martin O’Neill is the guy we are looking for, or should be looking at bringing in as Sir Bob’s replacement. Proven track record. Tough and no nonsense. He’ll come in, crack the whip and get the defense organised. It may not be pretty but I’ll have some of what Jose Mourinho said when a reporter asked him what his style was. Which he replied: “winning”. Yes please. Lets ditch this penchant for all out attack and get some organisation. Watching our defeat to Villa was painful. We are a soft team with no backbone and Martin O’Neill is the man to change this.

Karl W - David O’Leary strikes me as a bright manager who has a grasp of what the modern game entails. He will become a top-class manager in the near future and I’d like to see him become that man at the Toon. His record with young players is fantastic and that’s what Bobby has left us with. A young team full of potential which needs taken to the next level. David O’Leary almost did it with Leeds and is on his way to doing it with Villa. He would represent a great short-term and long-term choice. He’d come in and quickly sort out this mess to allow us to save our season and maybe qualify for the Champions League. Because we have a squad good enough to do that. Then with some money in his pockets he’d be able to buy the 3 or 4 players we need to challenge for the League.

Sammy J - Del Bosque, has nobody thought about him? He’s out of a job and won the Champions League twice with Real Madrid. Surely he could do the job?

Simon L - Gerrard Houllier would be worth a shout as a short-term fix or maybe bring him in as a director of football or something so he can do what he did for France and have Alan Shearer under him as general manager. Could work, you never know…