Toon in trouble as Poyet pulls out

Leading candidate Gus Poyet has ruled himself out of the running to become Newcastle boss leaving the St James’ Park top brass scratching their heads.

The Tottenham assistant boss was one of the favourites to succeed Kevin Keegan but he has denied he is in line to take over on Tyneside.



Poyet maintains strong links with Newcastle executive director Dennis Wise following their time together at Chelsea as players and then as an assistant when his former team-mate managed both Swindon and Leeds.



Poyet remains the 2.36 favourite to get the Magpies job, but he said: "It's very clear that it's nothing at all," Poyet told the club's official website, when quizzed on the speculation. "I'm very happy here. I've had almost a year back at the club with Juande and Marcos. This is just speculation and it's all too easy because of my relationship with Dennis Wise.



"It's nothing to worry about and all I intend to do is relax and continue with my job."



The news leaves the North-East giants in turmoil with owner Mike Ashley desperately looking for a replacement for Keegan.



Former Brazil legend Zico has declared an interest in the job and he is odds of 8.4, while former Juve coach Didier Deschamps (8.0) is the only other candidate in single-figure odds in the market.



A shock Keegan return is quoted at 34.0, while Toon legend Alan Shearer (28.0), who is one of the few names who could appease the Geordie fans is unlikely to accept the job working under Wise.



After Keegan’s resignation last week their were initial hopes that a new man would be in place before Saturday’s home clash with Hull City, but that is very unlikely and the doom and gloom looks set to drag on for another couple of weeks.