Eddie Howe is under pressure to turn things around at Newcastle United following a recent dip in form.
The Magpies are down in 10th in the Premier League following their 3-2 loss to Manchester City last weekend. The defeat means that Newcastle have now lost six of their last seven league games, while they were also dumped out of the Champions League in December.
That has led to speculation about Eddie Howe’s future, with many in the media pondering whether the Newcastle hierarchy could look to replace him. That is not a view shared by the majority of the fanbase, while Howe did lift some of that pressure by winning the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
But HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey believes that the pressure is still on Howe, and he has spoke Geordie Boot Boys about the mood behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
Newcastle ‘not happy’ after recent slide
“I think Eddie Howe is under serious pressure,” he said.
“It’s my understanding that behind the scenes they’re not happy with the results, and you wouldn’t want them to be. At what point are you loyal to the manager out of pure loyalty.
“PIF are here to win the Premier League, and they will make moves if they think Eddie Howe has ran his race.”
Howe for England
Bailey then spoke about the England job, and how Eddie Howe is someone who could be in line to replace Gareth Southgate when the time comes.
“The FA have their eyes on potential candidates to replace Gareth Southgate and Eddie Howe is near the top of that list.
“A lot of things might come together this summer where Eddie Howe might become England manager and Newcastle move on. It might fit everyone like a glove.”
No chance of Jose Mourinho at Newcastle
While Bailey may believe that Howe is under pressure at St James’ Park, he does not believe that Jose Mourinho will be the man to ever replace him. There has been speculation surrounding him following his sacking at Roma, with many predicting that the Special One could end up on Tyneside.
“I don’t see it being Mourinho, with his past in England. His record is a bit tarnished now and he’s not what he was,” said Bailey.
“I think you can rest assured that it won’t be him, but it will be someone of that stature. I firmly believe that. Newcastle is not a project for an up and coming manager now. They need someone to take over who has been there and done it and can attract those big names.”
Howe can lift the pressure in the coming weeks
A move for Mourinho really would be disastrous. While he is a high profile name that would attract a lot of attention, he really would be a terrible fit for this Newcastle team.
For Howe, he will have the rest of the season to lift the pressure. It has been a tough winter for him and his side, but a more relaxed schedule and kinder fixture list will hopefully result in Newcastle climbing the Premier League table.
There is also a lot of pressure on our next game – the FA Cup fourth round tie with Fulham. That is Newcastle’s only real chance of silverware this season, and could also serve as a route back into Europe.
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