Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 22 March 2026 15:30, UK

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Eddie Howe is under massive pressure after Newcastle United were beaten by Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Brian Brobbey’s late goal saw the Black Cats complete the league double over their Tyne-Wear rivals, who had initially gone ahead.

Anthony Gordon capitalised on Luke O’Nien’s early mistake to open the scoring for the home side, before Chemsdine Talbi bundled in the equaliser after the break.

The defeat means Howe’s side have won just one of their previous five games, with Sunderland leapfrogging them into 11th.

Newcastle’s manager had already been under pressure amid a disappointing season, but Sunday’s events feel critical.

Newcastle fans demand Eddie Howe’s sacking

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider this month that Newcastle had concerns over Howe, but that they were not yet ready to dismiss the Englishman.

The 48-year-old has had a transformational impact at St James’ Park since his 2021 arrival, leading a new era for the Magpies.

But this season has seen progress halted altogether, with his side seriously struggling to cope with a turbulent summer.

Alexander Isak’s departure was stomached by the arrivals of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, but neither player has managed to replicate the Swede’s impact.

The problems were obvious as Newcastle were beaten by Sunderland on Sunday, with the lack of threat going forward extremely clear.

Gordon’s goal was sprung by O’Nien’s mistake, with the Magpies unable to create much of anything in open play.

Howe has experimented with playing Woltemade in behind Gordon, but the result ultimately fails to change much.

Many Newcastle fans have had enough, and took to social media on Sunday to demand that the manager be relieved of his duties.

“Howe needs to go,” wrote one fan. “This is unacceptable.” Another wrote: “Ge Eddie Howe out of this club, disgrace!”

Several other fans shared the sentiment, with many sticking to the simple phrase of “Howe out”.

Who would replace Howe at Newcastle?

Newcastle’s reported options to replace Howe have included the likes of Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva.

Both managers are set to be out of contract this summer, with decisions yet to be made on their futures with Bournemouth and Fulham, respectively.

Newcastle will likely face competition if they are to attempt to hire either manager, however, with several clubs looking for new figureheads this summer.

Decision-makers at St James’ Park can offer a type of funding that many other clubs cannot, although this season is set to be damaging in terms of the profit and sustainability rules.