Former Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has praised the club’s imminent decision to appoint Eddie Howe.
After a lengthy process, it looks like the 43-year-old is going to be the man to replace Steve Bruce.
Lots of names have been linked, and on Tuesday it looked like Unai Emery was going to be the next man in charge.
But the landscape changed on Wednesday, and it is now being reported that Howe will sign a two-and-a-half year contract to become Magpies boss.
It’s a decision that fans are behind, despite some initial disappointment following the collapse of the Emery deal.
And Newcastle’s former record signing is also in favour of Howe joining the club.
‘Extremely knowledgeable’
Following reports that Howe is set to join Newcastle, Owen tweeted: If Eddie Howe is confirmed as NUFC manager, I’d say that’s a very smart move by the club.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with him over the last year or two on The Premier League world feed and he’s extremely knowledgeable. He also strikes me as a very good man manager.”
It’s a glowing review from Owen, who has clearly enjoyed his time in the company of Howe over the past couple of years.
While Toon fans don’t often see eye to eye with Owen after his disastrous spell at St James’ Park, his comments on Howe are massively encouraging.
Being a good man manager is a great asset, and will be vital as he looks to boost a bang out of form squad that has slumped to 19th in the Premier League.
His knowledge cannot be questioned, and neither can his appetite for the game. The way he talks about football in interviews gives a great insight into how his mind works.
While he might not have been the first choice, Howe could, and hopefully will, prove to be a massively successful appointment by the new Newcastle owners.
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