Eddie Howe to follow ‘orders from above’ as Newcastle United face ‘tricky decision’ – pundit
Eddie Howe is focusing on ending Newcastle United’s decades-long wait for a trophy, even if it costs them European football this season.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ targets this season.
Newcastle have not lifted silverware since 1969 as Joe Harvey’s side won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the predecessor to the UEFA Cup.
Going into the World Cup break, Howe’s side sit third, comfortably in the Champions League spots having only lost one league game this term.
However, if it comes down to securing European football or winning a trophy, McManus insists Howe will prioritise silverware.
“How long has it been since Newcastle won a trophy? 60 years or something?” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“That needs to change, a club the size of Newcastle needs trophies. They also need European football because of the new owners.
“So it’s a tricky decision because I don’t know if they have the squad to do both this season. Europe makes the money but a trophy is a trophy, it’s a tangible sign of success.
“Orders from above might be to win the trophy and that is something Eddie would love to do, I’m sure.
“Being the first manager to win something since 1969, it would be huge for the club and the city.”
Newcastle face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday (20 December), their first game back after the break.
They will play their first FA Cup game of the season away at Sheffield Wednesday on 7 January.
In other news, one pundit has issued a ‘£200m’ Newcastle prediction after development – ‘fans won’t want to hear this’.