Rumor: Newcastle United approach Saint-Etienne manager Christophe Galtier

Christophe Galtier

French Daily L’Equipe  are suggesting that Newcastle United have already approached Saint Etienne Coach Christophe Galtier to be their Manager for next season.

Current manager Alan Pardew has been under tremendous pressure from the toon army and in their final home game of the season was roundly booed by every section of the crowd every time he step foot in the technical area. There have also been calls for his head from sections of local media as well. It would take a full 360 degree U- turn for Pardew to survive at St. James’ Park and his time could well be up.

Galtier has been in charge of Les Verts since 2009 and has done extremely well with the side from the east of France including winning the French League cup last year.

Although Galtier is contracted at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard till 2016 there are doubts whether he will till then, there is also a release clause that will allow the interested clubs to talk to him.

This is what the 47 year old said about the team and the season

“My duty, my obligation and my dedication is that I have to prepare for next season. But nothing is certain.”

“I have to meet with the owners at the end of the season. Today, I believe the team is progressing. I have to see if we can still improve. I have questions for my bosses; I think they’ll have precise answers. They also are likely to ask me questions.”

The Magpies had an excellent reputation across the channel when it came to player recruitment but that has somewhat been sullied with all the shenanigans that have been going on with all the players who have regressed under the current management. A well respected name that has done well in that neck of the woods should repair some of that damage, not to mention the excellent pedigree he brings to table as manager.

Aston Villa are also rumoured to have expressed an interest in Galtier to be their new manager for the next season.