Revealed: This is how Champions League qualification will affect Eddie Howe’s Newcastle future
Eddie Howe’s future at Newcastle will not be affected by whether he can secure Champions League qualification this season, sources have told Football Insider.
Failing to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition is not expected to have a “massive bearing” on the 48-year-old’s future on Tyneside, despite him coming under significant pressure from supporters of late.
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Newcastle have no plans to sack Howe at the moment, and that is unlikely to change even if they miss out on Champions League football for next term.
Newcastle are nine points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United after their 2-1 win away at Tottenham on Tuesday, and the prospect of a top-four finish is a distant chance at this stage for Howe’s men.
Eddie Howe a victim of his own success
Newcastle fans have been growing increasingly frustrated with Howe amid their recent poor form, but it is clear that he still has plenty of credit in the eyes of the board.
The former Bournemouth boss has already led the North East outfit into the Champions League twice in recent seasons, despite that being deemed as being ahead of schedule for their long-term project.
The immediate success that Howe has enjoyed has certainly altered the ambitions of both the club and the supporters, who are keen to see their team continue to progress on the pitch.
Newcastle have consistently been plagued with injuries throughout the campaign, and they are still without the likes of Lewis Miley, Tino Livramento and Joelinton at the moment.
Howe has been forced to work under challenging conditions this term, and the board are seemingly keen to show patience towards him as he tries to navigate the team back up the table.
Newcastle make shock Nick Woltemade sale plan
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Newcastle are looking to sell Nick Woltemade in the summer, amid sustained interest from Bayern Munich.
The Geordies beat the German giants to the signing of the 23-year-old striker last summer, but now appear prepared to do business with them this time around.
Vincent Kompany and Co. are keen to sign Woltemade for a cut-price fee in the region of £30-£40million, which is a far cry from the £69m that Newcastle shelled out to land him from Stuttgart.
Woltemade has netted seven Premier League goals since his arrival, but he is currently on a goal drought which dates back to 20 December.