Newcastle United have been backed to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager if the £300million takeover is completed.
A £300million Newcastle United takeover has been agreed, subject to Premier League approval and the club have been tipped to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager if the deal is completed.
“While I was a big fan of Benitez, I wouldn’t be chasing him for the job,” Martin said. “He jumped ship and went to China for the money, and I was hugely disappointed.
“Steve came in and I was one who was saying, ‘It’s going to be hard work for him’. But I could understand him taking the job because he’s a Geordie.
“I have to stress, I think Steve has done a great job and the players have responded well to him.
“But if the takeover happens, I think Steve might be vulnerable. I think there could be huge changes.
“If so, I might be looking at the likes of Pochettino. He knows big players, he knows South America and he knows Europe. He’s a big name in the game.
“If you’re looking for trophies, you look to tempt big players, like Kevin Keegan did when he was manager here first time around. He signed people like Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and David Ginola.’’
Newcastle are currently 13th in the table and eight points above the relegation zone under the guidance of Bruce.
Martin admitted that he has changed his negative view of owner Mike Ashley in recent years but still thinks it is the right time to sell if the new investors have the money.
“I wasn’t a big fan of Mike Ashley originally,” Martin added.
“But I’ve softened my opinion over the last year and a half.
“It would still be the right time for him to sell if they come up with the right money. If it goes through, I think it would be great.”
