‘I hope’…Alan Shearer shares the decision he really wants PIF to make at Newcastle

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Newcastle United have not had it easy this season.

Indeed, Eddie Howe is believed to be pointing to all manner of issues behind the scenes at Newcastle as reasons for their current malaise. Everything from the injury crisis and recruitment issues from last summer are believed to be on his mind, albeit the Magpies manager won’t be making any public excuses.

So, then, the win over Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday was a huge relief. Newcastle recorded their first home victory since December to follow up beating Blackburn in the FA Cup.

Still, that hasn’t stopped links with other managers, even if Howe is thought to retain the support of those above him. Jose Mourinho, after all, was again linked with a move to St James’ Park earlier this season, while more recent claims suggest current interim Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is of interest.

Still, Howe has obviously earned the trust of the club’s PIF owners and certainly has the backing of the legendary Alan Shearer, who wants the club to decide to stick with Howe.

Eddie Howe future: Alan Shearer verdict on Newcastle boss

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live at 14.25 on 02/02/2024 and before the win against Wolves in the Premier League, Shearer said: “The cup draws have been dreadful for Newcastle starting with the Champions League, the difficulty of it when you are new to it was tough. Then there was the Carabao Cup, you get Man City at home then Man Utd away – it has been a tough season for them.

“Newcastle have got to be sensible in the decisions they make, I hope they have patience with Eddie Howe.

“Howe has shown what he can do it, he will do well if they [Newcastle’s board] have that patience with him. This season was always going to be a levelling off, as last season was a massive over-achievement.”

Eddie Howe: Newcastle boss gets relief

Saturday proved a welcome boost for Howe.

Newcastle may have started reasonably poorly but proved clinical when they needed to and, for once, had real options on the bench.

The inconsistent manner of this season makes it hard to definitively suggest a corner has been turned but it feels like an excellent way to respond to last week’s drubbing at Arsenal.

More results like that and perhaps a late run for the European spots does not feel out of the question.