Whilst the Magpies still have Steve Bruce in charge, the
club’s new owners, a Saudi-backed consortium, are expected to replace the
60-year-old after their £300m takeover of the North East club was finalised on
Thursday.
Intriguingly, a number of those associated with Chelsea have
been linked with the post, with an interesting debate having emerged.
Of course, there has immediately been names bandied about in
relation to the potential vacancy - former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte one of
the most prominent names having left Inter Milan in the summer.
Former Blues coach Brendan Rodgers has also been mentioned
despite his lengthy contract at Premier League rivals Leicester City.
However, a couple of names that may intrigue fans of the
Premier League are those of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard - who are among
the early favourites to succeed Bruce with the bookmakers.
The former, a Blues icon, remains out of work since he was
replaced by Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge having not yet been handed another
chance within the English top-flight. Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool midfielder
Gerrard is spending his time with Rangers having steered the Scottish outfit to
the title last season.
Of course, the two will now be examined in close detail
regarding their potential suitability for any role at St James’ Park -
comparisons that began with the duo’s playing career.
Having emerged onto the scene at around the same time with
West Ham United and Liverpool respectively, Lampard and Gerrard were constantly
paralleled - especially so after the former sealed a move to Chelsea in 2001.
Their styles were also very similar; extremely hard-working
and with an eye for goal. Lampard netted on 274 occasions throughout his
lengthy career, whilst Gerrard found the net on 191 occasions.
The debate over which was more accomplished continued onto
the international stage, with Gerrard and Lampard colleagues for England but
never quite being able to strike the symbiotic relationship to power the Three
Lions to any glory.
After their careers in England ended, the two even shared
the same MLS stage by signing for New York City and LA Galaxy.
Now, some time after the retirement, those comparisons are
being triggered once again - but instead potentially by Newcastle’s new owners.