Newcastle United flop lands international role as Magpies reunion snubbed

Former Newcastle United forward Jon Dahl Tomasson has returned to management by taking charge of the Swedish national team.

The former Denmark international had an underwhelming spell at St James Park after joining the Magpies in a £2.5m deal from Heerenveen during the summer of 1997.  After showing signs of promise during pre-season, Tomasson struggled to adapt to the Premier League and scored just four goals in 35 appearances before returning to Holland with Feyenoord after a one-season stay on Tyneside.

After enjoying success at AC Milan and becoming Denmark’s all-time record goalscorer, Tomasson ended his playing career at Feyenoord before moving into management with Dutch clubs Excelsior and Roda JC. However, it was with Swedish club Malmo where Tomasson enjoyed his first success in management by leading his side to two league titles.

The former Magpie returned to England with Championship club Blackburn Rovers during the summer of 2022 but left Ewood Park by mutual consent last month.  However, the Dane has made a quickfire return to management after he was tasked with leading Sweden to the World Cup in 2026.

After his appointment was confirmed, Tomasson said: "I am very much looking forward to starting this great assignment and to meeting supporters, players and of course the media in Sweden. And to think, speak and dream in blue and yellow."

The Dane’s appointment was welcomed by the Swedish Football Association’s (SvFF) head of football, former Arsenal loan signing Kim Kallstrom as he revealed the reasons behind the decision to appoint Tomasson.

He said: "Jon Dahl Tomasson's characteristics fit the requirement profile well. It wasn't decisive, but we appreciate his playing background.  We see it as a strength that he has a good understanding of what national team operations are after his years as assistant national team captain in Denmark.

"He has also played and been team captain in the Danish national team. Jon Dahl Tomasson's way of wanting to play positive attacking football is something that will suit our group of players well. He also has good experience of being a leading figure, which you naturally become for the Swedish men's national team."