Former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce admits he recommended Steven Gerrard to succeed him in 2021.
Gerrard is now in charge of Al-Ettifaq.
Speaking on the Business of Sport, Bruce said: "They (Newcastle) even asked me, and I can say this on record, who I would recommend and I did recommend Eddie.
"And I hope Steven doesn't mind, but I recommended Steven Gerrard too - but somebody like Eddie or Steven, young, take it on. It was difficult, really difficult and I've never done that before.
"Sort of, given up but I realised it was best for the club."