Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 2 April 2026 15:00, UK

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Newcastle United are paying serious consideration to the sacking of manager Eddie Howe this summer after a disappointing season.

The Magpies could still finish in the European positions, but they face an uphill battle amid a struggle for consistency.

Andoni Iraola is among several candidates reportedly under consideration at St James’ Park, although it will not be a decision taken lightly.

Howe has been in charge since his appointment in 2021, with the former Bournemouth boss leading the club amid their change of ownership.

Chief executive David Hopkinson’s decision to opt against issuing his public support for the Newcastle manager this week has raised questions, however.

Eddie Howe must make tactical tweak

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider in March that Howe is struggling from a poor summer at Newcastle.

A chaotic transfer window last year saw the Magpies eventually sell Alexander Isak for a record £125million fee, replacing him with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.

Both players arrived with a great pedigree, and while the former was ruled out through injury for the opening months of his Newcastle career, the latter started superbly well.

Fast forward to April, however, and both players have combined for just eight Premier League goals, with Woltemade’s last effort coming in December.

But what has been bizarre is Howe’s complete reluctance to play both strikers together.

On paper, the two could make a great ‘big and small’ partnership, with Wissa thriving on balls in behind and Woltemade’s link-up play certainly strong enough to perform his role.

However, just once has Howe started both players together – against Bournemouth in January’s FA Cup clash.

Even when needing a goal, the Englishman has often ignored the option, with the two sharing the pitch for a combined 131 minutes all season.

Howe needs a solution for final seven games

Games between Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Arsenal, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Fulham stand between Newcastle and the end of the season.

Even if the Magpies do not qualify for Europe, a positive end to the campaign could stick in decision-makers’ minds when they weigh up Howe’s future.

But the 48-year-old must get brave and inventive. A Newcastle front-line of Wissa and Woltemade, supported by Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, or Harvey Barnes, would be bold, and it would be exciting.

The Magpies have been missing that edge all season long, and an injection of attacking prowess could be key.

Continue to play it safe, and Howe may well be without a job to return to this summer.