Eddie Howe: Newcastle sack ‘likely’ as Crystal Palace defeat sparks ‘major concern’
Eddie Howe is growing increasingly likely to be let go by Newcastle United at the end of the season after what has been a turbulent campaign.
The Magpies lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace last time out despite leading 1-0 until the 80th minute, meaning their opponents have now leapfrogged them in the table.
Newcastle currently sit in 14th place, and while they remain just six points shy of Chelsea in sixth, they look likely to miss out on European qualification.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are already considering their options and could make a change at the end of the season.
Newcastle will consider their managerial options and who might be available to replace Howe before making the decision, though, as they want to avoid a difficult situation.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBWhy would Newcastle sack Eddie Howe?
Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Newcastle must avoid sacking Howe given the good work he has done since arriving at St James’ Park.
However, while the boss still has a lot of credit in the bank, there is a growing feeling it may be time for the club to move in a new direction.
| Eddie Howe | Record 2025-26 |
| Games | 32 |
| Wins | 12 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Losses | 14 |
| Goals For | 45 |
| Goals Against | 47 |
| Goal Difference | -2 |
Disappointing results throughout the season have seen large sections of the fanbase turn on Howe, and that could be the beginning of the end for his Newcastle tenure.
“Newcastle are going to be assessing Howe’s position,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They’ll be looking at moving in a new direction, I think that’s inevitable now, they’ll assess who is or might be available to come in and replace him.
“That’s something they’ll want to do before making a decision, because they need to know they have a top-class replacement lined up before letting him go.
“Otherwise, they risk moving on from Howe but going backwards, we’ve seen that happen before.
“But it’s now looking likely that they will make a change, because when things start going wrong and the fans start to turn, that’s when problems start to come up.
“Their away form has been a major concern and the loss against Crystal Palace has only added to that, and once again they threw away points from a good position.
“Ultimately, it’s the manager who takes the blame for that, so I would not be surprised if they decided to make a change at the end of the season.”
Who could Newcastle consider to replace Howe?
Should the Magpies opt to replace Howe, they will need to have an adequate replacement lined up to help them progress rather than delaying their progress.
Football Insider reported on 14 April that Jose Mourinho is a contender for Newcastle, after bookies slashed odds on the former Chelsea boss to replace Howe.
A number of other options with Premier League experienced have been linked with the position, including Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola.
Both will see their current contracts expire at the end of the season as things stand, although Glasner is the only one to have confirmed his imminent departure.
Other European managers are also believed to be in contention, with Xavi also being linked with the role as he eyes a return to top-level management.
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