COMMENT: Worried about Patrick Vieira, Toon fans? Well consider this...
Bayern Munich made an attempt to whisk him away from his development role at Manchester City this season. The German giants want Vieira to take charge of their reserve team, with the view to the Frenchman succeeding Pep Guardiola as senior coach.
We can all question the hiring and firing of Mike Ashley at Newcastle United. But Bayern are serious football people. If they see something in Vieira, it's worth taking notice.
In Germany, they're surprised City have allowed Vieira's contract to run down. There's every chance that if Ashley impresses the former Arsenal captain in their meeting this week, a handshake is all that will be needed to install him as new Toon boss. Vieira can pack his bags and walk out of City anytime this month.
His title of 'Elite Development Squad' coach doesn't do Vieira's job at City justice. Yes, he's been coaching the kids. But he's also been driving club partnerships around Europe. Last year, he was instrumental in establishing City's formal alliance with Djurgardens of Sweden.
The Frenchman places City youth teamers on-loan across the continent, scouts potential signings and also builds partnerships and contacts with European clubs. His primary focus has been coaching the EDS, but his skills set has expanded every year since joining the club's coaching staff in 2011.
This is what Bayern have recognised - and hopefully for Newcastle fans, what Ashley's advisers have mentioned to him. Vieira will bring more to the Toon job than just his profile. He won't be just someone off the pundits' coach. He'll move into Darsley Park as a manager four years in the making.
And he'll be joining as a winner. Vieira led City to victory in the inaugural U21 Premier League International Cup this season, beating Porto in the final and Bayern Munich along the way.
The French connection is obvious. But if Ashley carries out his mooted plan of 'buying British' this summer, it will be less of a factor. However, Vieira is a world name and won't have trouble convincing players to join him. It'll be more about how much Ashley is willing to bankroll.
In that shock appearance fortnight ago, Ashley did hint of making more funds available to the next manager.
"It's no good having the horse and cart scenario. We may have the cart financially but we are now going to bolt the horse on. And we're going to."
This is what Vieira will seek from Ashley at their meeting this week. The chairman and his right-hand man, Lee Charnley, will get guarantees from Vieira about bringing through more talent from the academy. This is in the Frenchman's DNA. He doesn't need to be told.
But, in turn, Vieira will need clear guarantees that he'll be supported in the transfer market.
Vieira was rumbled on a visit to Bayern's training centre in January by David Alaba. Upon seeing the Gunners legend on Sabener Strasse, the Austrian made an immediate beeline for a handshake and a selfie. The best young left-back in Europe was determined to record the moment.
Vieira will be good for Newcastle. But the Magpies can be good for Vieira. He's on record admitting he loves St James' Park and the support of the Toon Army.
"My favourite stadium I have played in in this country I have to say is Newcastle. I like Newcastle's stadium. I love the atmosphere and I like the way the stadium is built and I loved playing there."
For those still not convinced, it's 23 years since Newcastle handed another rookie the reigns. But Kevin Keegan didn't have the four years of coaching and management experience Vieira boasts. He came straight off the golf course. Yet, for five years he and Newcastle shook up the world.
Vieira is the man to bring the days of KK, Beardo and Daveeed back to Newcastle.
