Newcastle have named former Wimbledon and Luton manager Joe Kinnear as their interim boss until the end of October.
The Magpies have been without a manager since Kevin Keegan resigned at the start of September, slumping to three straight defeats under Chris Hughton.
Kinnear hinted he expects Keegan, and possibly Alan Shearer, to take over once the club is sold to new owners.
The Irishman, who has been out of football management since Mbeki challenges ruling on Zuma ...
Spice Girls reunion beats Led Zep ...
Ashley puts Newcastle up for sale ... 2004, said: "I am very excited by this challenge."
And he told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am aware that the new owners have Kevin Keegan and possibly Alan Shearer parked around the corner.
"I understand investors are about to buy the club, (current owner) Mike Ashley told me openly. I will be here for 6-8 games."
Ashley has put the club up for sale after becoming tired of the abuse he has received from fans following Keegan's resignation at the beginning of the month and the team's poor start to the season.
A Nigerian consortium claim they are preparing a Ј350m takeover fund, with London-based businessman Chris Nathaniel saying: "We're at the stage where we are doing the security checks on the individuals who have the money."
And Kinnear is fully aware - and comfortable with - the fact the role is temporary.
"I've never run from a fight in football and this is just about getting the team through," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I believe the club will be sold at the start of October and at the moment Chris Hughton needs all the help he can get, and I hope now that I can help to get a few results together.
"Those are the cards that I have and I'll do the best that I can."
However, he was aware that his appointment may not sit well with the club's supporters, saying: "The fans will be disappointed, I understand that, but I can't do anything about. I will just be doing my very best because I am desperate to get back into the game.
"I will be going up to Newcastle on Monday and will pick the team from then. I'll speak to Chris about it."
The shock appointment follows news that Terry Venables turned down the role over concerns about job security.
Kinnear, 61, resigned from Forest in December 2004 after a poor start to the season, despite having kept the club up in the previous season, but he is best remembered for his spell in charge of Wimbledon in the 1990s, leading them to sixth in the league in 1994.
He added on the club website: "Newcastle United is a great club. When I was in charge of Wimbledon I always remember the passion of the fans up there and how great a stadium St James' Park is.
"It is a big challenge but one I am really looking forward to."
(BBC)
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