Newcastle United has not had it easy this season.
Indeed, Eddie Howe is said to be blaming Newcastle’s present woes on a slew of internal concerns. Everything from the injury crises and recruitment issues from last summer are said to be on his mind, but the Magpies boss will not make any public explanations.
So the victory over Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday was a tremendous relief. Newcastle won at home for the first time since December, following their FA Cup triumph over Blackburn.
Even so, contacts with other managers continue, and Howe is assumed to maintain the support of those above him. Jose Mourinho, after all, was linked with a move to St James’ Park earlier this season, while recent reports say current interim Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is also interested.
Still, Howe has clearly won the trust of the club’s PIF owners, and he has the support of the famous Alan Shearer, who wants the club to continue with him.
Eddie Howe’s future: Alan Shearer’s take on Newcastle manager
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live at 14.25 on 02/02/2024, and before the win against Wolves in the Premier League, Shearer said: “The cup draws have been terrible for Newcastle.
Starting with the Champions League, the difficulty was high for those who were unfamiliar with it. Then there was the Carabao Cup, which included Man City at home and Manchester United away – it has been a difficult season for them.
“Newcastle must make sound decisions, and I hope they can be patient with Eddie Howe.”
“Howe has demonstrated his abilities; he will succeed if they [Newcastle’s board] remain patient with him. This season was always going to be a plateau, given the previous season was a major overachievement.”
Eddie Howe: Newcastle boss receives relief.
Saturday was a welcome boost for Howe.
Newcastle may have started poorly, but they were clinical when it mattered and, for the first time, had genuine bench options.
The unpredictable nature of this season makes it difficult to say firmly that a corner has been turned, but it feels like a wonderful way to respond to last week’s thrashing at Arsenal.
More results like that, and possibly a late push for the European spots, do not seem out of the question.
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