Newcastle make firm decision on Eddie Howe’s future – ‘Given what he’s done’
Eddie Howe is not facing any internal pressure over his position at Newcastle United despite sections of fans suggesting he could be sacked.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Howe still has the full backing of the club despite some frustrations.
Newcastle drew 2-2 with Chelsea last time out, having been 2-0 up at half-time, leading to frustrations about their inability to hold on for an important three points.
After 17 Premier League games so far, the Magpies have won just six games and currently sit in 11th place, despite their original lofty expectations for the season.
As a result, some Newcastle fans have called for Howe’s sacking, but the club do not echo those views and still believe he is the right man for the job.
Eddie Howe will not be sacked by Newcastle
Brown told Football Insider on 15 December that Howe’s position at Newcastle is safe despite question marks over what has been a disappointing start to the league season.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that any frustrations from the stands will fall on deaf ears as things stand.
“Eddie Howe’s position is still comfortable, as it should be,” he told Football Insider.
“They’d have to go a long way before they get anybody better than him, that’s for sure.
“When you’re in a job for a long period, things start to change, the circumstances change, players change, expectations change, that comes from the fans and the club.
“So far, Howe has done a very good job at changing with it and adapting to suit the club’s needs.
“He still has the backing of the board, and I don’t think their league form will be a major issue, even if the fans are a bit frustrated with the performances.
“I think any calls for him to be sacked are bizarre, really, given what he’s done there.
“Obviously they would like to be further up the table, and the Chelsea game was a frustrating one, but it’s far from the end of the world.
“They’re still a top side, and Howe is a big reason for that, they understand that and therefore I think it’s very unlikely they’d be looking to let go of him.”
The real reason for Howe’s early season struggles revealed
Newcastle’s disappointing start to the league season has come as a surprise to some, but there are a number of reasons for their struggles so far.
Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle’s extensive injury list is causing problems for Howe, after Tino Livramento picked up a fresh blow last midweek.
Meanwhile, the likes of Yoane Wissa, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier have all suffered with fitness issues, leading to inconsistencies on the pitch.
Football Insider revealed in October that Newcastle are struggling due to behind-the-scenes chaos which emerged during the summer transfer window.
However, Brown has insisted Howe’s concerns have only been worsened by their growing list of injuries which have directly impacted their results.
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