Steve Stone is in the frame to succeed Alan Thompson as Newcastle United reserve-team boss.

Thompson left Toon yesterday bound for Celtic and Stone, already part of the Academy set-up, is a genuine contender for the job.

Former Nottingham Forest and England winger Stone impressed last term by leading the Magpies' Under-15s to victory in the prestigious youth tournament the Nike Cup, beating Chelsea on penalties and advancing to the final 20 teams in the world who will battle it out in Manchester later this year.