‘Whatever happens’… Alan Shearer convinced one man won’t be leaving Newcastle soon

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Newcastle United’s season is almost over.

While there is a lot of football yet to play, Newcastle exited the FA Cup at Manchester City on Saturday night in relatively meek fashion.

Alexander Isak may well have got Eddie Howe’s side back into it after Bernardo Silva’s early brace but it just wasn’t to be.

The defending was passive for much of the contest and proved a far cry from the intense performances Howe’s side were regularly putting in last season.

Losing at City may not define Newcastle’s season but it was another difficult night for Howe. He’s already been called into question at times this season (albeit externally) and other managers have been linked with a move to St James’ Park.

Still, Alan Shearer isn’t worried about Howe’s future.

Eddie Howe future: Alan Shearer on Newcastle latest

Speaking to BBC One after the game, Shearer said of Howe: “Eddie Howe still has plenty of credit in the bank.

“Whatever happens this season, whether they finish mid-table or qualify for Europe, Eddie Howe will be Newcastle’s manager next season.”

Eddie Howe: PIF owe Newcastle manager – but support doesn’t last forever

Earlier this week, there were reports suggesting PIF were reminding people that Howe was in fact ahead of schedule, with phase two of the project merely being about consolidating. The fact Newcastle qualified for the Champions League last time out was a bonus.

Clearly, the owners back Howe and this season has been difficult for a number of different reasons, ranging from recruitment issues and a seemingly constant injury crisis.

Still, mitigating factors do not last forever. Howe is not immune from criticism just because of last season and it’s hard to suggest the tepid performance at City was solely because the squad have injuries.

Howe must deliver next season. If he doesn’t, then a creditable backing from the owners starts to look like blind faith.

Newcastle cannot afford to be sentimental if there’s not significant improvement after the summer break.