Newcastle United could cut ties with Eddie Howe following difficult 2023-24 season
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United could part ways with Eddie Howe should they fail to salvage what has so far been a below-par 2023-24 campaign.
The Magpies are the wealthiest side in the sport and appeared to be set for big things when they finished in the Premier League top four last season, securing themselves a spot in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
While they have had sensational moments such as defeating Manchester City, Manchester United and schooling Paris Saint Germain, the lack of consistency has come back to bite them.
Newcastle finished bottom of the Champions League group, getting knocked out of Europe altogether while a poor run of results has seen them all away in the race for another top-four finish. While there is the Carabao Cup quarter-final and the FA Cup to look forward to, the club has taken a step back in the two biggest tournaments.
Howe deserved plaudits for the wonderful job he has done at St James Park but at the end of the day, results speak for themselves. Given that PIF expected the side to compete in the European stage beyond the new year, Howe has failed to match the necessary target.
The owners are not impressed either with the due diligence done before recruiting Italian international Sandro Tonali. While a fine player, the midfielder will not sit out the season after being accused of gambling. Unless the situation improves on the field, there is every chance that Howe might have to take the fall for this season’s failures.
Newcastle are certainly ahead of their schedule as far as the club’s progress goes. But while Howe deserves credit for it, the Magpies overachieving too quickly might be his undoing. Given what was achieved last season, missing out on a top-four finish would be seen as a step back.
Whichever way the Magpies opt to go, there is still much to play for this season. Howe can still salvage the league campaign while also perhaps landing himself a trophy or two. Surely securing the club’s first major trophy since the FA Cup in 1954/55 will earn him some goodwill.
