Newcastle United news: Finance guru demands answers from PIF after Eddie Howe confession
The most senior figures in the Newcastle United regime should also face the media rather than pass the buck entirely to Eddie Howe.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about recent questions faced by the Magpies boss.
Howe has been criticised for failing to respond to allegations of human rights violations committed by the club’s Saudi owners.
Newcastle are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which is chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
The Saudi state, which recently executed 81 men in a single day, does not recognise the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As quoted by The Athletic last Wednesday (16 March), Howe admitted he “doesn’t feel qualified” to speak on such matters.
Plumley argues that senior executives should share the responsibility of being the public face of the Tyneside club with the 44-year-old.
“Generally, it would always be good to hear from owners and execs,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“The problem is that if the only person you put in front of the media is the manager, you have to be aware that he going to get all manner of questions.
“If a club isn’t prepared to put senior board members in front of the media, this is going to carry on.
“The manager’s number one job is to get the team ready for matchday, but Journalists are always going to ask questions of whoever is in front of them.
“There is a lot going on above him that Eddie Howe might not be privy to. I think it’s right that you go to the top and ask questions of the owners.
“We’re only going off how it’s always been done in the past. In the past, the manager was the most important person at the club.
“It would be ideal if you could have a media appearance from someone senior in the club, say, once per month.”
Newcastle’s relationship with the Saudi state is under the microscope following the sanctions faced by Roman Abramovich at Chelsea.
The billionaire has had his assets frozen by the UK Government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In other news, pundit suggests Newcastle United braced for “mega-money” Allan Saint-Maximin bid as club’s response predicted.