Now it's Hughes - Come and save us Sparky, is cry from Newcastle - Sport

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

It is not believed he discouraged the renewed interest, which has come about since Harry Redknapp turned down the job. Hughes, it is understood, feels he can take Blackburn only so far and those close to 'Sparky', 44, say he wants to test himself at a big club. The former Wales boss would want to take his own backroom staff — Mark Bowen, Glynn Hodges and Eddie Niedzwiecki — because they have played an important part in his achievements.

Scroll down to read more:

In with a shout: Mark Hughes issues his instructions to his Blackburn players

With Newcastle insisting they want "an experienced manager", Hughes is the next man in the frame after Redknapp dramatically rejected the job.

As revealed in Sportsmail, Redknapp was in turmoil about taking the post and, despite meeting Newcastle representatives on Friday night, he decided to stay at Portsmouth. He dismissed Newcastle's accusation that he had not been offered the job, or that he had turned it down because he wanted to commute.

Redknapp said: "It's absolute rubbish they didn't offer it to me. It didn't happen because I didn't want the job.

"I'm fed up with it. I just want to get away from it all. It's been overpowering."

Redknapp's snub has exposed Newcastle's lack of a Plan B, although insiders insist that Redknapp was one of a number they intended to interview.

Graeme Souness would love a return to St James' but more realistic options are Martin Jol, Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal and Gerard Houllier if the search is worldwide.