Newcastle 'to hire Sunderland's 26-YEAR veteran Elliot Dickman as U23s coach in shock first appointment since takeover'

NEWCASTLE are set to nick Sunderland coach Elliot Dickman as under-23s chief, according to reports.

The 43-year-old has spent 26 years at the Magpies' North-East rivals.

But according to the Daily Mail, he's set to leave the Black Cats to fill the void left by Chris Hogg, who jumped at the chance to become assistant manager at MK Dons.

Newcastle academy boss Steve Harper interviewed a number of candidates for the vacant role.

Former Magpies striker Shefki Kuqi was in the running to land the job.

But unfortunately for the Finn, Dickman is the man who was picked.

Dickman was once a promising player in Sunderland's academy ranks, but persistent hip problems forced him to retire at the tender age of 20.

The former academy star instead rose through the coaching ranks.

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And the move will come as a shock on Wearside due to Dickman's deep connection and history with the club.

Another important role left to fill at Newcastle is the first-team managerial spot.

The Magpies sacked Steve Bruce last week and are looking at a number of targets from across Europe to replace him.

Former Tottenham managerial target Paulo Fonseca is favourite to land the job at St James' Park.

Fonseca is said to have impressed Newcastle chiefs with his short-term and long-term visions for how the Toon will play.

And he is ready to leave his family home in Rome to base himself in the North East of England.

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