Newcastle United have a special fanbase, and Chris Sutton is very happy to see what the supporters are doing right now.
It has been a tough season for the Magpies, who have nine Premier League games left to qualify for Europe. That dream is certainly looking a lot more possible after the remarkable comeback win over West Ham United at the weekend.
But not much has gone to plan for Newcastle United this campaign. The Champions League journey ended at the earliest opportunity, while Eddie Howe‘s side are not heading back to Wembley for another shot at silverware.
It has led to some people in the media suggesting that Eddie Howe has taken Newcastle as far as he can, with the likes of Richard Keys stating that the Toon owners should appoint Jose Mourinho. He believes that Mourinho would guarantee a trophy at St James’ Park, while there have been other managers linked with replacing Howe, such as Roberto Mancini.
Howe has been under pressure for the first time in his Newcastle United career, but most Toon fans remain completely behind him.
And that is something that Chris Sutton is very happy about.
Chris Sutton happy about what Newcastle United fans are doing
Chris Sutton has been speaking about Eddie Howe’s future on BBC 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, and is glad to see that Toon fans are still backing their manager despite a tough campaign.
“I think the owners are backing Eddie Howe, I think he will be there next season,” he said.
“He needs a strong end to the season in some respects, they can still get European football, but everyone is behind him in the stadium. The home support are right behind him. Good on him and good on them.”
Newcastle fans not the only ones backing Eddie Howe as manager
While you always get rumblings of discontent on social media, there has never been any anger aimed towards Howe inside St James’ Park.
Away from the internet, there is complete commitment towards Howe, and rightly so. It is not an excuse, but you have to wonder where Newcastle would be this season had they not suffered such miserable injury luck.
Fans recognise that, and so do the owners. While it is unclear what PIF think, the British branch of Newcastle’s ownership continue to back Howe and want him to remain Newcastle United manager beyond this season.
They back him as the man to lead this project, with Howe having a contract at St James’ Park until 2027.
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