Eddie Howe: O’Rourke shares latest on manager quitting Newcastle
Eddie Howe has emerged as a top candidate to take over as England manager but is in no rush to leave Newcastle United as things stand.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the FA will find it difficult to prise Howe away from St James’ Park despite the view that he remains the most eligible candidate.
Newcastle are aiming to reach the Champions League once again this season and are expected to heavily back the manager in this summer’s transfer market.
Sources also say there would be a hefty compensation fee involved in luring Howe away given the length of his contract in the North East.
Gareth Southgate led England to a semi-final and a quarter-final in the World Cup, as well as back-to-back European Championships finals, and will prove a tough act to follow.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe among front-runners for the England job
Southgate stepped down as the England manager following the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 after eight years in the job.
In the immediate wake of his decision, multiple bosses have been linked with taking over, and Howe’s name has frequently cropped up in conversations.
Many fans have tipped him as the favourite to take over from Southgate, as shared by Football Insider.
The Newcastle boss has previously expressed his desire to one day manage his country, as he is quoted as saying: “The England job is the ultimate. I would never say no.”
However, the project he has started at St James’ Park is far from over.
After qualifying for the Champions League for the 2023-24 season, Newcastle crashed out in the group stage and finished seventh in the Premier League, missing out on European football next season.
Howe is now aiming to take his team back into Europe, with this summer’s transfer window tipped as a key period for the club’s progression.
Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales recently confessed the club would fight to keep their manager in his role should an interested party step forward.
It has become apparent that, if the FA decide Howe is the man for the England job, it will not be as easy as simply offering him the role and expecting him to accept.
In other news, Newcastle have been told to accept an offer for Matt Targett.
For more Newcastle United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.