With four occupants of the St James' Park hotseat over the past three-and-a-half years, the Newcastle job seems somewhat of a poisoned chalice.

But with a vacant position to fill, club owner Mike Ashley has no choice but to find a replacement for Sam Allardyce, who parted company with the north-east giants on Wednesday. The big question is - who?

Here we give you the low-down on the main candidates and the likelihood of them taking charge of the Magpies.

Harry Redknapp - The current Portsmouth boss raced into the lead in the betting stakes as favourite to take over from Big Sam and he would certainly tick the experience box for Ashley. He also encourages the kind of exciting football that Newcastle fans are craving for and could relish a move up north, especially since, as one of the Premier League's lowest earners, he would be certain to pick up a hefty pay check. But Ashley may have problems prising him away from the south coast, where Redknapp has transformed Pompey into a real contender for European football next season.

Alan Shearer - If the fans were to choose, the former terrace hero would take over today. After two successful periods with Newcastle as a player, the ex-goal ace is extremely popular with supporters, although early indications suggest that he is unlikely to succeed Allardyce. Now a television pundit for the BBC, Shearer has no experience as a top flight manager, and the Newcastle job is crying out for someone with exactly that. There are also questions over whether his style would suit the club. He would probably be given more time to turn things round than other candidates though.

Mark Hughes - The Blackburn manager has worked wonders at Ewood Park, making Rovers one of the most consistent teams on the Premier League. Although he is still only 44, he has already had experience of managing a national as well as a Premier League side. But the former Manchester United striker's quiet manner may not sit well at St James' Park, where a bigger personality is needed.

Martin Jol - Currently out of work and available after having parted company with Tottenham earlier this season, Jol is certainly big enough to take the job. He has the relevant experience of guiding a club with high expectations to a fair amount of success, having led Spurs to back-to-back fifth-place finishes, and Ashley is believed to be an admirer of the Dutchman. Jol is expected to jump at the chance to take over.

Jose Mourinho - Another fans' favourite and why wouldn't he be after what he achieved with Chelsea? Hugely successful and extremely popular, the Portuguese would be welcomed with open arms on Tyneside. But with a job at one of Europe's biggest clubs looming on the horizon, he would be unlikely to take up the Newcastle post were it offered to him.

Steve McClaren - The former England coach is another candidate who is currently out of work and therefore has to be given a mention. But his failure to guide England to the Euro 2008 finals has seriously tarnished his reputation, and he is not known for playing attractive football. He would be an unpopular choice with Toon fans.

Guus Hiddink - What would a 'contenders' article be without a mention of the highly experienced Dutchman? Currently with the Russian national side, but with the details of his contract not entirely clear, Hiddink could be prised away. He has never worked in England, and could relish the challenged presented by Newcastle.

Juergen Klinsmann - The former Germany coach has been linked to a number of jobs in England of late, including as a possible replacement for Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, and would certainly capture the imagination of the Magpies faithful. The ex-Tottenham striker took Germany to the World Cup semi-finals in 2006, but has not worked in management since.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport