Eddie Howe

[timeEd32]

1 hour ago, 500bhp said:

If the owners are serious about challenging for top honours by 2030, and its not just soundbite bullshit, then Eddie probably needs to win the FA cup and/or secure CL football for next season. Otherwise I think he'll be gone in May.

 

They'll consider phase 1 of the project completed; avoid relegation, win a trophy, qualify for Europe, grow revenues to c£400m, expand the brand. Now its onto phase 2; new training ground, solid stadium plans announced, top 3-4 finish each season, win cups. If they are serious about delivering phase 2, they'll be ruthless and replace Howe with what they consider to be an elite manager with a proven track record of winning things. 

 

All just my opinion of course! 

 

It's hard for any English club to have this expectation at this point, let alone one that is hundreds of millions behind the ones at the top.

 

Eales and Hopkinson have both made it very clear they understand the larger game is being played on balance sheets. It's possible that at some point, with a bad enough run, a decision is made to change managers, but to date they've projected a better understanding of the job Eddie has done than a subset of supporters. And if I were to bet I'd say there is a lot more patience and understanding inside the building than there is on the internet.

[The Prophet]

Trying to look at it objectively.

 

Hopkinson said it himself, wage bill correlates to league position. We have the 8th highest wage bill, which means 8th is about par. 

 

We're currently three points and three places out, however:

 

We've gone deep in the league cup.

We're into the Champions League knockouts.

We're still in the FA Cup.

We're coming off the back of another turbulent summer resulting in executive churn and arguably our best players leaving.

Howe has previously finished 4th, 7th and 5th, along with the cup win, despite said wage bill constraints.

 

Unless things nose dive considerably, they'd be hard pushed to vindicate a managerial change. It seems like a bit of a non-starter.

[Mattoon]

Something is intrinsically broken at the moment and it seems to be beyond Howe to fix it in the short term, but there's a heck of a lot of mitigating factors to consider here:

 

1. A rudderless summer transfer window where unqualified personnel were asked to take up positions well out of their remit.

 

2. The sly 6 having fortunes to play with and kyboshing every transfer we tried to make.

 

3. Our world class striker downing tools and causing disruptions in the squad.

 

4. PSR restrictions meaning we had to wait until the "big boys" were done with their business to pick u0 the scraps left on the table.

 

5. Little to no preseason for our new arrivals, specifically our world class forwards replacements.

 

6. Little to no training time between games meaning those that missed preseason have never really had the chance to work with Howe properly.

 

The list goes on, but given where we are, where we came from and a litany of issues, Howe deserves the chance to have a drama free summer to get us back on track and we revisit this in 12 months time. He still has my full backing, I still believe he is thr right man for the job.

[Coffee_Johnny]

1 hour ago, bobbydazzla said:

 

Arteta, Chelsea manager, Pep, Slot, Spurs manager, Brighton Manager, Brentford manager, Emery - none of these managers and coaches have the responsibility of picking their signings as Howe did. There’s a good reason for that. 

 

The defendant presented opinion as fact. Case closed your honour.

 

Apologies if I have the wrong end of the stick, but are you suggesting we are struggling because Howe (senior…) has an unusual amount of control over transfers and he picks bad players? Assuming that is true, what if he had got ‘his’ first choices? Say Ekitike, Trafford, Guehi, Mbuemo, and going back a bit Szoboszlai as examples of our (reported) first port of call for striker (Woltemade instead), keeper (Ramsdale), centre back (Thiaw), right winger (Elanga), centre mid (Tonali).
 

Now two of the replacements have turned out very well (the others still may do). Would you be concerned about the ‘too much say’ idea if he’d got his first choices? Even if he does have too much/an unusual amount of influence (and I really don’t know) that is obviously just about who we go for, he can not possibly be held to account/be in control of who wants to come. Or for that matter, regarding you know who, guaranteeing they want to stay. 

P.S. dawns on me I don’t know where Ramsey sat on our preferred list. Don’t recall a lot of leaks/noise prior to that transfer. 

 

 

Edited February 5 by Coffee_Johnny

[bobbydazzla]

3 minutes ago, Coffee_Johnny said:

Apologies if I have the wrong end of the stick, but are you suggesting we are struggling because Howe (senior…) has an unusual amount of control over transfers and he picks bad players? Assuming that is true, what if he had got ‘his’ first choices? Say Ekitike, Trafford, Guehi, Mbuemo, and going back a bit Szoboszlai as examples of our (reported) first port of call for striker (Woltemade instead), keeper (Ramsdale), centre back (Thiaw), right winger (Elanga), centre mid (Tonali).
 

Now two of the replacements have turned out very well (the others still may do). Would you concerned about the ‘too much say’ idea if he’d got his first choices? Even if he does have too much/an unusual amount of influence (and I really don’t know) that is obviously just about who we go for, he can not possibly be held to account/be in control of who wants to come. 

P.S. dawns on me I don’t know where Ramsey sat on our preferred list. Don’t recall a lot of leaks/noise prior to that transfer. 

 

I didn't write the bit in italics, it was TCD.

 

I was just referencing it as an example of TCD having a strong opinion and then that opinion being presented as a fact. When it's not a fact, it's an opinion.

 

 

 

Edited February 5 by bobbydazzla

[healthyaddiction]

3 hours ago, The College Dropout said:

Statistically not a real thing from what i recall.

 

And until his last couple weeks - Enzo was doing well too. Is he also a top coach?

 

From what I remember, is that statistically, results always tend to return to the norm. The bounce is always temporary.

[Abacus]

I keep thinking back to that original soft soap documentary when YAR, Eales and Howe were around a boardroom table. Pretty sure it was Eales pointing to a chart showing how money spent equated to consistent league success.

 

YAR glowered at this asking for other ideas, at which point Eales like any boss being grilled by their own boss, deflected. He said something along the lines of "ah yes, but we have a secret weapon" who could get them to over perform that pure money calculation and do better, pointing at Howe. 

 

Well. Maybe that's just how I remember it, rather than it being accurate. I thought then, and think now, that Howe was thrown under the bus by him - this wasn't just praise for a manager, it was basically someone with no ideas of their own saying that Howe could over perform the obvious financial disadvantage. 

 

I hope Hopkinson has the backbone to point out the realities instead of trying to please his bosses based on a fantasy.

[Sir Joel Inton]

1 hour ago, Interpolic said:

 

This means you want Howe to leave. Same to the other person who said it @Sir Joel Inton who also clutches his pearls when it's suggested he wants Howe to leave. Own it, lads. 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been really consistent in that I think there are lots of credible concerns but willing to give him the season to turn it round or demonstrate some green shoots.

 

If we get to the summer outside of Europe with limited further progress in the cups, I’d assess who is available (and interested) before making a decision on whether we are better to stick or twist.

 

If we end up deciding Howe is still considered the best man available for the job due to lack of suitable candidates, I’d have no issue with him going into next season.

 

If Howe is poached by England, I think it’s a good opportunity for him, I think he would perform really well at it and I think it would strengthen England. If that happened and he took it, he’d leave with a very good reputation.

 

If you cannot comprehend any of that, then that’s more an issue that you need to own rather than I.

[Displayname]

1 hour ago, Interpolic said:

 

This means you want Howe to leave. Same to the other person who said it @Sir Joel Inton who also clutches his pearls when it's suggested he wants Howe to leave. Own it, lads. 

 

 

 

Well I don't want him to leave right now. Don't think anyone would do a better job with our current squad next season if we don't get some kind of european competition. 

But sure, as of right now my opinion is that long-term we need to be looking elsewhere if we have ambitions of getting into Europe every season. So I guess it also depends on how much backing Saudi is willing to give us. 

And It's not all about the results for me, I also would like to see us play more attractive football.

[vexred]

8 minutes ago, Sir Joel Inton said:

 

I’ve been really consistent in that I think there are lots of credible concerns but willing to give him the season to turn it round or demonstrate some green shoots.

 

If we get to the summer outside of Europe with limited further progress in the cups, I’d assess who is available (and interested) before making a decision on whether we are better to stick or twist.

 

If we end up deciding Howe is still considered the best man available for the job due to lack of suitable candidates, I’d have no issue with him going into next season.

 

If Howe is poached by England, I think it’s a good opportunity for him, I think he would perform really well at it and I think it would strengthen England. If that happened and he took it, he’d leave with a very good reputation.

 

If you cannot comprehend any of that, then that’s more an issue that you need to own rather than I.

 

I've got a theory that Guardiola leaves City at the end of the season and takes the England job. 

 

If Howe fails to get Europa I wouldn't be surprised to see us go after Tuchel or Poch. 

[TRC]

Football Between the Lines podcast is talking about Howe in vs out.

 

 

[Deuce]

15 hours ago, midds said:

Genuinely can't wait for this season to end, it's been nothing more than frustration and pigshit for 7 months already

 

Hope we have a good go of the CL but I’m ready to close the book on the rest of it.

[RUHRLYASLEEVESUP]

HOWE SECURE AT ST JAMES’ PARK: BOARD UNWAVERING DESPITE CUP EXIT

Newcastle United’s hierarchy has moved to shut down speculation regarding Eddie Howe’s future, following the club’s Carabao Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Manchester City.

Despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the Etihad (5-1 on aggregate) and a run that has seen the Magpies win just one of their last seven matches, club sources insist that Howe retains the "unwavering support" of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Board Backing
 

According to reports from The Telegraph, sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson have complete faith in the 48-year-old. The boardroom view is that Howe—the club's most successful manager in modern history—is not a candidate for the "hire and fire" culture prevalent in the Premier League.

Club chiefs reportedly acknowledge the "unsettling" nature of the 2025/26 campaign, citing several key factors for the current dip in form:

* The high-profile exit of Alexander Isak last summer.

* The challenge of managing four separate competitions with limited squad depth.

* A relentless injury crisis that has sidelined key starters.
* The loss of Sir Steve Bruces tactical nouse
 

Fan Support

While social media frustration has grown (namely TBG & TCD from NOL), the "hardcore" match-going support particularly Adam P remains firmly behind the manager. Travelling fans were heard loudly chanting Howe’s name at the Etihad even while trailing 3-0, a gesture noted by pundits and the club’s executive team alike.

Looking Ahead

Far from planning a dismissal, the club is already working with Howe on medium and long-term transfer plans. The hierarchy believes stability is the priority as they navigate a transitional season, with the primary goal remaining to steady the ship in the Premier League and push for the Champions League last 16.

For now, the message from Tyneside is clear: Eddie Howe is the man to lead the project forward, regardless of the "outside noise."

 

 

Edited February 5 by RUHRLYASLEEVESUP

[Mattoon]

1 minute ago, RUHRLYASLEEVESUP said:

The loss of Sir Steve Bruces tactical nouse

[Monters]

16 minutes ago, Mattoon said:

Brilliant!

I was brought in hook, line & sinker until that line... very good

[The College Dropout]

2 hours ago, Coffee_Johnny said:

Apologies if I have the wrong end of the stick, but are you suggesting we are struggling because Howe (senior…) has an unusual amount of control over transfers and he picks bad players? Assuming that is true, what if he had got ‘his’ first choices? Say Ekitike, Trafford, Guehi, Mbuemo, and going back a bit Szoboszlai as examples of our (reported) first port of call for striker (Woltemade instead), keeper (Ramsdale), centre back (Thiaw), right winger (Elanga), centre mid (Tonali).
 

Now two of the replacements have turned out very well (the others still may do). Would you be concerned about the ‘too much say’ idea if he’d got his first choices? Even if he does have too much/an unusual amount of influence (and I really don’t know) that is obviously just about who we go for, he can not possibly be held to account/be in control of who wants to come. Or for that matter, regarding you know who, guaranteeing they want to stay. 

P.S. dawns on me I don’t know where Ramsey sat on our preferred list. Don’t recall a lot of leaks/noise prior to that transfer. 

 

 

 

Which 2 have turned out very well?

 

The job of a DoF in transfer market (not blaming Howe) is to sign players.  Not identity good players - but actually get deals done.  So the transfer committee of 2 scouts and a coach all agreed they liked a number of PL targets as first choice plus 2 other players we’ve been interested in for years and a 6-month wonder.  
 

Job is to get great deals done. If Ashworth or Mitchell led last summer I would want them sacked. As such we had people leading it at short notice without the experience or the skill to make it a success.  

[The College Dropout]

I’ve said all year I support Eddie 100%.  I’m not frustrated with his coaching decisions.  He just needs a DOF and staff to shoulder 80% of transfer decisions.  I’m frustrated with PIF. 

 

 

Edited February 5 by The College Dropout

[Dr Venkman]

3 hours ago, Sir Joel Inton said:

 

I’ve been really consistent in that I think there are lots of credible concerns but willing to give him the season to turn it round or demonstrate some green shoots.

 

If we get to the summer outside of Europe with limited further progress in the cups, I’d assess who is available (and interested) before making a decision on whether we are better to stick or twist.

 

If we end up deciding Howe is still considered the best man available for the job due to lack of suitable candidates, I’d have no issue with him going into next season.

 

If Howe is poached by England, I think it’s a good opportunity for him, I think he would perform really well at it and I think it would strengthen England. If that happened and he took it, he’d leave with a very good reputation.

 

If you cannot comprehend any of that, then that’s more an issue that you need to own rather than I.

What was your previous username and why don’t you post using that anymore?

[dcmk]

I don't think he's going anywhere unless another team approaches.

 

In wor Eddie we trust. 

 

[Colos Short and Curlies]

5 hours ago, Coffee_Johnny said:

Apologies if I have the wrong end of the stick, but are you suggesting we are struggling because Howe (senior…) has an unusual amount of control over transfers and he picks bad players? Assuming that is true, what if he had got ‘his’ first choices? Say Ekitike, Trafford, Guehi, Mbuemo, and going back a bit Szoboszlai as examples of our (reported) first port of call for striker (Woltemade instead), keeper (Ramsdale), centre back (Thiaw), right winger (Elanga), centre mid (Tonali).
 

Now two of the replacements have turned out very well (the others still may do). Would you be concerned about the ‘too much say’ idea if he’d got his first choices? Even if he does have too much/an unusual amount of influence (and I really don’t know) that is obviously just about who we go for, he can not possibly be held to account/be in control of who wants to come. Or for that matter, regarding you know who, guaranteeing they want to stay. 

P.S. dawns on me I don’t know where Ramsey sat on our preferred list. Don’t recall a lot of leaks/noise prior to that transfer. 

 

 

 

 

Weren't we linked with Ramsey on January?

 

Wissa was also high on the striker list to replace Wilson, we were linked pretty much as soon as the window opened

[Weezertron]

Curious what people think Eddie’s way out of this is? 
 

We finish mid table. I don’t think that’s the biggest disaster. 
 

say we lose 2 purples at the least in the summer (Tino and Tonali). Maybe 3. 
 

how does he get this team functioning again (bad summer signings) and the club pointed back in the right direction? 
 

Howe in, but understand there needs to be a plan to move beyond this. 

[andycap]

In the summer more than likely we will Need a new keeper two new right backs a new leftback a new centreback two centre mids. 

6 players before you get to the wingers and strikers. 

[Dokko]

3 minutes ago, Weezertron said:

Curious what people think Eddie’s way out of this is? 
 

We finish mid table. I don’t think that’s the biggest disaster. 
 

say we lose 2 purples at the least in the summer (Tino and Tonali). Maybe 3. 
 

how does he get this team functioning again (bad summer signings) and the club pointed back in the right direction? 
 

Howe in, but understand there needs to be a plan to move beyond this. 

 

Lower expectations. 40 game season. Press the players into the ground. Work rate and athletic over technique and talent. Counter and get nasty. Play like a small club, over achieve with less. 

 

He'd probably win the league with the right players. It wouldn't be pretty, but it would be effective.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

We could also make 3 or 4 great signings next summer

[TheBrownBottle]

8 hours ago, Coffee_Johnny said:

Apologies if I have the wrong end of the stick, but are you suggesting we are struggling because Howe (senior…) has an unusual amount of control over transfers and he picks bad players? Assuming that is true, what if he had got ‘his’ first choices? Say Ekitike, Trafford, Guehi, Mbuemo, and going back a bit Szoboszlai as examples of our (reported) first port of call for striker (Woltemade instead), keeper (Ramsdale), centre back (Thiaw), right winger (Elanga), centre mid (Tonali).
 

Now two of the replacements have turned out very well (the others still may do). Would you be concerned about the ‘too much say’ idea if he’d got his first choices? Even if he does have too much/an unusual amount of influence (and I really don’t know) that is obviously just about who we go for, he can not possibly be held to account/be in control of who wants to come. Or for that matter, regarding you know who, guaranteeing they want to stay. 

P.S. dawns on me I don’t know where Ramsey sat on our preferred list. Don’t recall a lot of leaks/noise prior to that transfer. 

 

 

 

I’ve seen the ‘he didn’t get his first choices’ crack a fair bit, and it isn’t convincing to me.  Ekitike also didn’t seem to be first choice - Joao Pedro was.  And I don’t think Pedro would fit into the system any better than Woltemade.

 

Most managers know they won’t necessarily get their ‘first choice’ into the position - that’s cloud cuckoo land stuff.  Unless we’re saying Howe and his team signed a load of players they didn’t want, then they signed players they wanted to sign.  Signings are pretty much always a compromise unless you’re Real Madrid.