- Championship boss turns down Crystal Palace
- Atmosphere at Selhurst Park aids Newcastle
- News teaches Magpies about future under Eddie Howe
Newcastle United may be handed a boost ahead of their match with Crystal Palace as a possible Oliver Glasner replacement has turned down the opportunity to move to Selhurst Park.
Football Insider reports that Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has spurned any attempts from the Palace board to join them at the end of the season. He is currently leading the Sky Blues back to the Premier League for the first time since 2001.
The environment at the Eagles has been unsettled this year with Oliver Glasner announcing that he would be departing in January. The latest Lampard blow could cast further clouds over Selhurst Park and play into the hands of Eddie Howe’s side as they look to get their campaign back on track.
Chance for Newcastle United to capitalise
While it seems an uphill battle, the Magpies’ European aspirations aren’t completely out of the picture yet, and a good result at Selhurst Park would aid their mission.
While Howe’s side have had a difficult season, so have Palace, as they find themselves in 14th.
Just like the Black and Whites, they also won a domestic trophy last season, lifting the FA Cup in May, but have also struggled to build on that success. Form has been patchy at best this season with progress in the Europa Conference League hard-fought.
Before the international break, they beat AEK Larnaca 2-1 away from home, but have won just two Premier League games in their last five outings. Glasner’s side also play Fiorentina on Thursday night and will welcome Newcastle United with heavy legs on Sunday.
With the news that the impressive Coventry City manager is unlikely to be making the switch, adding to uncertainty cast over the club, it would be the perfect time for Howe to take advantage of that. The Magpies outfit still have plenty of tough tests remaining, but kick-starting the closing period off well will be high on their agenda.
Lessons over Howe’s future
The news of the former Chelsea midfielder deciding against a move to South London could be a sign for the Tyneside outfit. Many managers have been speculated and rumoured about taking the hot seat at St James’ Park with the club’s poor run of form.
Howe is slowly beginning to lose the majority of his support from the Toon Army, and questions are asked about his future. For the club to carry on their 2030 project and see Newcastle climb the European rankings, they need the correct figurehead in charge.
Howe has helped the club reach this point so far, but that work could be destroyed if the club make the incorrect decision.
Lampard’s decision may offer the Magpies an advantage this weekend, but his ruling could also have a significant long-term impact for the team from Tyneside as discussions rumble over a possible new gaffer.
In other news, ‘Potential Option’: Newcastle United star targeted by Bundesliga giants.
