When Adam O'Brien and Newcastle parted ways in August 2025, the club assembled a strong group of candidates to interview.
Blake Green and Brian McDermott, both members of O'Brien's coaching staff, made compelling cases.
They emphasised improving the defence and had a clear sense of which young players could step up to grade football.
Justin Holbrook stood out for the clarity of his plans for the club.
He explained how he wanted Newcastle to play and look, with particular focus on the team's attack.