Martinez might fit Magpies - Hall

[Scottish Mag 3]

Sir John Hall has suggested that managerless Newcastle could consider Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez as a candidate to go to St James' Park.

 

The Magpies life president and former chairman told BBC 5 Live's Sportsweek that Martinez might be an outside bet.

 

"Do you go for a big name, like the (Guus) Hiddinks, or do you try and find someone who can give us the football we had under (Kevin) Keegan," Hall said.

 

"There's the Swansea manager, Martinez, who seems to be turning them around."

 

Swansea are flying high in League One this season, three points clear of Nottingham Forest at the top of the table and with a game in hand.

 

The south Wales club maintained their momentum on Saturday by overcoming a spirited Luton, beating the financially stricken club 3-1 at Kenilworth Road.

 

Swansea had their own brush with liquidation in 2002 and Martinez has every sympathy with the Hatters' plight.

 

"It's a sad situation, a club like Luton Town with a huge history, to be in this situation and I think we all feel for them," Martinez said.

 

"We hope they will turn the corner very quickly and they will have a bright future."

 

[Paul 0]

 

Righto, John

[Scottish Mag 3]

SWANSEA City Chairman Huw Jenkins says he's not surprised big name Premiership clubs are looking at Roberto Martinez for their vacant managerial positions.

 

Over the weekend Newcastle United president Sir John Hall mentioned on a radio show that the Swansea manager could be a suitable candidate for the Toon job.

 

Whilst Jenkins acknowledges the compliment of Martinez being linked with such a high profile post he's confident that the rookie Swansea manager isn't about to leave quite just yet.

 

Jenkins tips Martinez for football's top level one day and is confident that it will be with Swansea rather than some other club.

 

 

Swansea Chairman Huw Jenkins said:

 

"Like some of the other foreign managers in this country, Roberto has brought a fresh approach which probably appeals to a lot of other clubs."

 

"I've got no idea whether Newcastle are really interested in Roberto, but I think we are going to have to get used to this kind of story because of the number of games we're winning and the way we're winning them."

 

"I've got no doubt Roberto will manage at the top level, and we're doing our best to make sure he does that with Swansea City."

 

"Roberto is an intelligent man and I think he recognised that he has still got a lot to learn in management and he is doing that with us."

 

"But to have stories about Newcastle United being interested in Swansea's manager is nice for us."

 

"It shows that we made the right decision in appointing Roberto and it shows that this club is heading in the right direction."

 

"We welcome the fact that clubs in Newcastle's position are looking at Swansea City because it's been a long time since that last happened."

 

"I'm not worried that Roberto could be about to leave us."

 

"He has got a job to do with us and I fully expect him to do that job, but we can't stop speculation."