Football: Georgian coach Ketsbaia might manage Newcastle United

Former Newcastle United midfielder and ex-head coach of the Georgian national team Temur Ketsbaia wants to be Newcastle United manager.

With Alan Pardew having joined Crystal Palace on Friday, Newcastle is looking for a new head coach and Ketsbaia claimed he would love to lead his former club.

Ketsbaia was adamant that Newcastle deserved better. In his interview with the Sunday Sun, he said a return to the glory days could be achieved within the constraints of a head coach role.

"I am watching what’s going on at Newcastle with a lot of interest and of course I am interested in the head coach role,” the 46-year-old said.

"There are not many managers in the world who would say no to that club. Any time that the job becomes available, it’s exciting and I am available to speak to Newcastle about it.

"I’d love to manage in England, I always said that and I think I could do a good job. I worked at a club for many years that won championships, I managed in the Champions League and I worked with the national team for five years, so I don’t think the level is a problem. It wouldn’t be a problem and I know all about Newcastle.”

Ketsbaia, who played for Newcastle in the 1990s, finished his time with 78 league appearances and eight goals.

He left Georgia in November due to frustrations with the country's football federation and a desire to work in club football again.

Meanwhile, the Georgian coach is not the only one who expressed his desire to boss Newcastle United. As reported on ChronicleLive yesterday, United have a shortlist of six or seven names for the job.