YANKUBA MINTEH was denied a Newcastle return on Saturday. That features in this week's North East Notes.

And on the subject of returns, there's more Jordan Henderson talk amid the Sunderland speculation. Staying with the Black Cats, there's interest from elsewhere in Under-21s head coach Graeme Murty.

And Middlesbrough are preparing for the return of their former boss Chris Wilder this week.

WHY MINTEH WAS DENIED NEWCASTLE RETURN

Much of the talk in the build-up to Newcastle's game against Brighton yesterday was about Yankuba Minteh - only for the winger to be left out of the Albion squad.

That was because he picked up what boss Fabian Hurzeler described as a "small issue" while away with Gambia during the international break.

The Seagulls coped without their summer recruit, winning 1-0 at St James' Park to end Newcastle's 10-month unbeaten home run.

Minteh has made a promising start to life at Brighton after his much-debated Newcastle exit in the summer, and scored the goal that set the Seagulls on their way to their comeback against Tottenham before the international break.

Hurzeler said: “I think Minteh is still a very young player but he shows already his potential.

“Also, for players like this who are young, who are coming from a different club, we need to give him time.

“There will be development in waves so there will be ups and downs. We need to support him, especially when he has these downs.

“We are sure he will have a great impact fur us as a team. I am not surprised because he has a great attitude and a great work ethic.

“He shows it every training session and that is why I am not surprised how he performs in the games.”

SUNDERLAND COACH IDENTIFIED AS TARGET FOR MANAGERIAL VACANCY

Graeme Murty has emerged as a managerial target for Hartlepool United after the sacking of Darren Sarll this week.

Pools are on the lookout for a new permanent boss and Sunderland's Under-21s boss is one of the candidates understood to be on the National League side's radar.

According to BBC Tees, Murty - who was born in Saltburn - would potentially be interested in the role.

And it comes as caretaker boss Lennie Lawrence told the Northern Echo that he'd recommended to chairman Raj Singh the appointment of someone who is "based in the North East".

Murty has done a fine job with Sunderland's Under-21s, who made the Premier League 2 final last season.

Head coach Regis Le Bris said this week: "We are building the link with the Under-21s to ensure the consistency of the process. Not only the structure but the details of the game model.

"It's very easy because all the people here are very connected. The club is built with not only one coach or staff. We need a strong organisation.

"This club, I now have a better understanding of the environment and this is one quality. The link with all parts of the club is very important. We need a strong structure everywhere and then when it's very balanced we can feel it on the pitch."

CHRIS WILDER'S CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE CLAIM AHEAD OF BORO REUNION

Chris Wilder is preparing to return to the Riverside this week for the first time since he was sacked by Middlesbrough two years ago.

And it's the first time this season he'll see how Sheffield United side respond to defeat.

The Blades lost for the first time this term when they went down to Leeds United on Friday night. Wilder had no complaints about the defeat to a side who he believes are favourites to top the Championship pile come the end of the season.

He said: “There’s going to be teams that have their moments and have their good times and their not so good times, but I think anybody who finishes above Leeds… and I’m not sure anybody will do.

“They’ve got outstanding players, the squad’s laden with top players and we have to brush ourselves down and go again.

“It’s been a good start, but we haven’t played anybody of this calibre.

“(Leeds have) an incredibly strong squad. The investment in the group is there and, when you have the highest wage bill in Championship history, you’ve got really good players.”

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DEFOE RESPONDS TO HENDERSON SUNDERLAND TALK

Jermain Defoe's second Sunderland stint didn't go to plan but that hasn't prevented the former striker from backing a sensational Wearside return for Jordan Henderson.

Henderson has been linked with a move back to his home club in the January transfer window, though Le Bris this week revealed he hasn't discussed the prospect with Sunderland bosses.

Henderson also told the Dutch press that it's "possible" he sees out his contract with Ajax and stays in the Netherlands until 2026.

But talk of a return to England is unlikely to go away and Defoe had his say on the Sunderland speculation this week.

He told gambling.com:  "100% (would Henderson moving to Sunderland be a good move for both parties). If any club brings in someone like Jordan Henderson, someone with that sort of ability, and what he brings on and off the pitch. He's a leader."

"You look at what he's won, his experience. He'd only help the club and the players around him, all the younger players would learn so much. Some people even said that Henderson should have gone to the Euros because with his experience, and what he's like as a person, he's a leader, he drives people. He drives those sorts of standards every day, and I think sometimes you need that."

"If it happens, and Sunderland gets back into the Premier League and Henderson goes back, then it would be an amazing story for everyone involved."