Saunders expects Souness back soon

Dean Saunders believes former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness will return to football sooner than expected.

Souness, 52, was sacked as Magpies boss earlier this month after a string of poor results, with Saunders part of his backroom staff also to leave St James’ Park.

It had been suggested Souness could take a break from the game or even leave altogether, but Saunders insists the Scot will be in demand as a manager.

“You will see him again,” said Saunders. “He has burning desire and he’s a winner.

“I played with him for three different clubs then worked with him as a coach - he doesn’t change, the first thing about him is how much he wants to win. The other thing is he does is tell the truth, if you short change him you may as well leave on that day.

“He knows football inside out and there is no-one able to keep him down. He’ll be back.”

Former Liverpool striker Saunders is now preparing to assist should Souness get another job, adding: “My mind is going forward to the next thing we’re going to do.”

Souness’ reign was beset by injuries to his players, and Saunders admitted he was disappointed to leave when he felt progress was being made.

“It’s a strange feeling,” Saunders added on BBC Radio Five Live. “You feel down when the players are down and up when the players are up.

“Saying goodbye to the players was very hard, especially the young players. Whoever gets it (the Newcastle job) will be a very lucky man.”