Mills shares verdict on Newcastle replacing Howe with Benitez after confirmed news
Danny Mills has insisted there is no chance of Newcastle United sacking Eddie Howe and replacing him with Rafa Benitez.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Leeds United and England defender claimed Newcastle are in “deep, deep trouble” but there will be a long-term plan with Howe if they do get relegated.
Benitez was sacked by Everton on Sunday (16 January) after a disastrous spell in charge after they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Norwich City the day before.
Football Insider reported last year (16 October) the Spaniard was the first-choice to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle after the Saudi-led takeover.
They eventually appointed Howe when it became clear they would not be able to convince Benitez to quit Everton and return to St. James’ Park.
“I don’t think Eddie Howe’s job is going to be in danger, I think there is a long-term plan,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I don’t think they will go for Benitez. You can’t pander to what the fans want.
“Newcastle had quite a lot of options in who they wanted. They’ve made that choice now.
“The team was terrible, they weren’t winning football matches. You can’t expect a manager to turn that around in 10 games.
“You would expect them to be better than they have been but it’s always had to be top-four form and that’s almost impossible to do. They’ve not had a new manager bounce.
“There’s been no bounce at all and if you look at the table now, they are in deep trouble, deep deep trouble.
“They needed to beat Watford and they didn’t. I still think it’s between those bottom four teams and obviously one will get out of it. It’s about who can put two or three results together.”
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