Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter has spoken about the “huge respect” he has for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
The Seagulls, who have lost three consecutive Premier League matches, travel to Tyneside on Saturday to face a Newcastle side who are unbeaten in their last seven games.
The clash at St James’ Park on Saturday will be the third time Potter and Howe have pitted their wits against one and other.
They both have one to win their name, but the weekend’s game will be the first since Howe has taken over the reins at the Toon Army.
Howe, the former Bournemouth manager, was in attendance of the 1-1 draw between the two sides at the Amex back in November when he was sat alongside Amanda Staveley and his assistant Jason Tindall.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference via BBC Sport, Potter spoke about his admiration for Howe, who has been nominated for February’s manager of the month, and praised him for the jobs he’s done at Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Potter said: “I have huge respect for Eddie. What he did at Bournemouth, I have huge respect for.
“He’s now come to a new challenge and done it really well. He’s made a huge difference there.
“I’m expecting a good atmosphere up there and we’re excited about it. We’ll have to perform at the highest level to win.”
Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are both doing good jobs at their respected jobs and it’s great to see two young English managers receiving plaudits for their positive influences.
But come Saturday both managers will be hoping to oust one and other as they both go searching for all three points for different reasons.
A win against Brighton would see the Magpies move five points behind the Seagulls with a game in hand as well.
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