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John Carver has insisted that he is still in “pole position” to net the Newcastle United head coach job - despite emerging talk from Spain linking the Magpies with Rayo Vallecano’s Paco Jemez.

Carver would like the opportunity to be judged properly after having a full pre-season with the players and his staff.

And while rumours of Perez and ex-England boss Steve McClaren, who Carver bumped into this week during the reserve clash with Derby County, persist, Carver told the Chronicle: “I am in the pole position at the moment – until I am told otherwise then nothing is going to change. Whether that happens next week, the following week or the end of the season, whatever happens I am in the pole position and that’s how I look at it.”

Carver feels that he can deliver a winning team if he is handed the reins during pre-season. With the club getting closer to announcing their plans, Carver feels that he needs the summer to put his stamp on the club.

When asked if he felt that getting pre-season was crucial to any manager, Carver said: “Absolutely. Let’s be honest we (as a club) did not get off to a great start did we?

“That was with our better players in the team. We have had a great run and then this dip. So as far as I am concerned I want the opportunity.

“I want the opportunity to bring players in, not who I have the say on, but have an influence on and be part of the process.

“Definitely. If I didn’t think that way I’d be wasting my time.”

Carver is guaranteed his old job back as assistant manager no matter who the club opt for but he said he would keep on fighting for his dream job.

He said: “It’s the easy way out and I am not prepared to take the easy way out. I have never done it in my life and I’m not doing it now.”

And Carver, who has spent time with McClaren, QPR supremo Les Ferdinand and head coach Chris Ramsay and FA staff this week on pro-licence duty, said: “You have to give people time and opportunities.

“There will be people out there that understand the circumstances. I’m telling you now that these are extreme circumstances, but they are. It’s a testament to keep going and having the drive - and I’ve got that. I’ve spoken about the tools. If I’ve got the tools I can do it.”