- Eddie Howe could leave Newcastle in the summer
- Fanbase split
- Club board must avoid making any rash decisions
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is under more pressure than ever before during his reign on Tyneside, following defeats to Barcelona and Sunderland. According to Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, Howe will stay unless the fans believe he is no longer ready to lead the Toon Army.
Newcastle’s CEO, David Hopkinson, spoke earlier in a press conference alongside the release of the club’s latest accounts, where he didn’t provide a clear path for Howe’s future.
Hopkinson said, “I don’t have a stance on his future.” Fans have been critical of their English manager in recent months, and several top-tier managers have been linked to the job in the Northeast.
Reports suggest Howe’s future could ultimately hinge on support backing, but unrest could force a change. He and his team were booed off following the 2-1 loss to Sunderland at St James’ Park before the international break.
Howe Fan Support
Newcastle’s fanbase is currently fractured due to recent results and debate around their manager.
Sections of the Toon Army believe Howe has taken the club as far as he can, and if the Magpies are to continue challenging for Champions League qualification, they will need to find a new head coach.
While others indicate that the 48-year-old has been hard done by. From Alexander Isak’s late sale, signings not proving their worth and an injury crisis have all played a part in the club’s self-destruction this season.
Howe’s men find themselves in 12th, sitting behind their rivals, Sunderland.
Newcastle CEO confirms that the club are not looking to make internal changes during the campaign, and that any restructuring will happen during the summer.
It’s reported that if supporters of the Tyneside outfit show clear discontent towards the boss, he will likely leave at the end of the season.
The Black and Whites face a tough test against Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace when they return from the international break, as they need to end the season on a high.
However, if results continue to go against Howe’s side, more fans may begin to turn on ‘Eddie Howe’s Black and White Army’.
Decision to Make
There’s no doubt that Hopkinson, alongside other board members at the St James’ Park outfit, has a huge decision to make in the summer. The English coach has given supporters many memories, including a historic Carabao Cup triumph. Add in two Champions League campaigns, and it’s clear to see why Howe has so much love.
On the other hand, they don’t want to continue with the manager if they believe it’s the end of the road. If results don’t go their way, and he remains in the dugout, it will be damaging to the club’s future aspirations.
The last time the club had a manager so widely adored as Howe goes back to the Sir Bobby Robson days. His five-year stay was cut short after poor performances and deteriorating player relationships.
While it doesn’t seem like that’s the case, several players have been linked away from Newcastle this summer, and after Sir Bobby’s departure, the club struggled for many years.
Whatever the decision is, they can’t afford to struggle in what will be the most important stages of the Magpies project, as they see if they will swim or sink.
