Newcastle add manager to 'emergency' shortlist to replace Matthias Jaissle after Fulham draw

A point against Fulham on Saturday afternoon wasn't enough to relieve Matthias Jaissle of pressure at Newcastle United, and an 'emergency' replacement has reportedly emerged.

Newcastle were minutes away from securing a priceless 1-0 victory over Fulham after Jacob Murphy's piledriver gave them an 80th-minute lead, but Rodrigo Muniz scored immediately after, and the Magpies had to settle for a draw at Craven Cottage.

Jaissle described the result as a "step in the right direction" after his side whimpered to a 1-0 defeat to Everton on Monday, though a point against Alvaro Arbeloa's men may not be enough to keep him in the managerial hot seat long-term.

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Kieran McKenna could replace Matthias Jaissle at Newcastle

In a recent episode of the Overlap Daily, Duncan Ferguson questioned why Newcastle replaced Eddie Howe with Jaissle, arguing that his CV and style of football couldn't continue the Englishman's great work at St James' Park.

Supporters were used to an exciting, high-pressing philosophy that focused on fast transitions under Howe, but his successor has failed to deliver the same high-tempo football and even criticised his players for sending too many long balls up to William Osula against Everton.

Although Jaissle retains the support of Newcastle's hierarchy, receiving patience from CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson, Alan Nixon reported on Sunday (November 8) that former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is being lined up as an 'emergency' replacement.

"Newcastle put McKenna on emergency wanted list," Nixon posted on X, accompanied by a link to his Patreon.

McKenna left Ipswich in June after guiding his side to the Premier League for the second time. He cited taking a break from football and spending time with his family as a reason for his abrupt exit, with Gary O'Neil replacing him at Portman Road.

When Fulham were looking for a manager following Marco Silva's exit in the summer, McKenna emerged strongly on their radar. But the Cottagers decided against appointing the 40-year-old due to the compensation terms in his contract.

Ipswich will receive £8million in compensation for any club that hires the Englishman due to a clause in his contract. He remains tied to these exit conditions until July 2027, when he will be available to join a club for nothing.

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What Kieran McKenna is doing now

Four months after leaving East Anglia, McKenna landed a role as a technical observer for UEFA, which has seen him analyse Champions League matches and select a Man of the Match. He will also help choose team, player and goal of the season along with other observers.

“I wanted to give myself the best possibility to learn before taking on the next challenge," the former Manchester United assistant manager told The Guardian after taking the role in October.

“I’m always going to want to be somewhere where I can improve players, play attacking football and win games.

“But beyond that, I’m a manager who wants to enjoy having that connection with a club, a community, trying to build something memorable.”

He then opened up on his exit from Ipswich, claiming he always wanted to leave on a "high" and intends to put himself in the "best position" before he takes his next role.

“But I was always aware I wanted to depart in the best way possible, with the club on a high, back in the Premier League and with a great chance to build for what will hopefully be a really successful period," he continued.

“It was a really special opportunity at Ipswich and you want to do that again in your career. But you have to be ready to come in somewhere and get some short-term success as well.

“What’s right for me, after two decades coaching, might be different for a manager who only stopped playing three years ago.

“I want to enjoy the time we have now, take this period to reflect and be in the best position I can for the next role.”