Former Tottenham assistant coach Gus Poyet admits he could've taken the Newcastle United job earlier this season.

"In the first five days after Keegan left I could have taken the job," Poyet told The Times. "I was interested and was ready, but after all the madness and craziness with the fans I decided it wasn't right for me. I like to fight, but when you know you're not welcome in a place it's better not to risk it.

"The relationship I have with Dennis (Wise) would have made it very difficult for me, especially given it would have been my first job as a manager."