NEWCASTLE - Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will attempt to bring the excitement back to St James' Park with Sam Allardyce's replacement.
It is understood Allardyce's fledgling reign came to an end amid concerns at boardroom level not only over the results the 53-year-old had managed during his 24 games in charge, but also the style of football he advocated.
With chairman Chris Mort currently trying to strengthen the current squad in the difficult January transfer market, there were worries too that potential signings could be put off by the manager's approach to the game and the unrest it had caused within the dressing room.
It was amid that climate that Allardyce's turbulent tenure drew to a close last night to spark a frenzy of speculation over his successor.
But it is clear that whoever becomes the eighth manager to slip into the St James' Park hot-seat in the space of just 11 years, he will be expected to provide the kind of football served up in the Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson eras.
Having succeeded former Magpie Alan Shearer as a red-hot favourite, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp responded swiftly by insisting he was happy on the south coast and that he had not been contacted by the Tyneside club.
Redknapp's comments came as Blackburn's Mark Hughes was heavily linked with the vacant post, while bookmakers reported significant interest in Everton boss David Moyes.
There was no public comment from St James' Park today in the wake of chairman Chris Mort's announcement yesterday evening that Allardyce had departed just eight months into a three-year contract.
However, with the Shearer camp playing down the chances of his accession, and the man himself silent as he enjoyed a winter holiday in Barbados, the field - or at least the pack heading it - was gradually reduced.
Redknapp, who was touted as a possible replacement for England manager Steve McClaren before Fabio Capello's appointment, wasted no time in expressing his contentment at Fratton Park.
He told the Portsmouth News: "I really do not know anything about this. I have not spoken to anyone from Newcastle.
"When I saw Sam had left, my immediate thoughts were that Alan Shearer was a certainty to take over.
"There's nothing in my being linked with the job. I had an offer not so long ago to take over at what I consider a massive club but I didn't go.
"I am happy down on the south coast."
Newcastle, of course, turned to Ewood Park in September 2004 after dispensing with the services of Sir Bobby Robson to recruit Graeme Souness, whose short-lived reign was less than spectacular.
They would be likely to meet much sterner resistance, however, if they returned with Hughes having enhanced his reputation in his three and a half years at the Blackburn helm.
The link with Moyes is intriguing with the Scot also doing an excellent job at Everton, although he is understood to have only 18 months remaining on his contract and is yet to agree an extension.
However, Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright today insisted he had received assurances from Ashley that no approach would be forthcoming.
On the city's streets, fans have been quick to voice their support for a Shearer-Kevin Keegan dream team, although there has also been backing for the likes of Martin Jol and Terry Venables with former England boss Steve McClaren being quoted as a long shot.
But sources on Tyneside have hinted that the time is not right for Shearer, and that the club is targeting an experienced manager, not necessarily a British one, and one who is currently in work.
That would preclude the likes of McClaren, Jose Mourinho and Jol, although with candidates starting to rule themselves out, that position could change.
An appointment is not thought to be imminent, although Mort is working feverishly behind the scenes both to find a new manager and conduct transfer business - the club has expressed an interest in both Manchester United defender Wes Brown and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra in recent days.
On the field, the focus is Saturday evening's Barclays Premier League clash with United at Old Trafford, for which coach Nigel Pearson will be in charge.
In the meantime, Allardyce will head off on a break to reflect upon an eventful few months in his career.
Asked outside his home if he was bitter about the way he had been treated, he told Sky Sports News: "No, I don't think so. Once people make a decision, there is nothing you can do about it.
"There is no point being bitter and twisted about it because that will only affect you, it does not affect the people you have left.
"For me, it's disappointing and you have to move on with your life."
