The ever outspoken Simon Jordan has jumped to the defence of Eddie Howe and admitted he was previously wrong about the Newcastle United manager.
Eddie Howe has been under pressure in recent weeks after a bad run of form, but the noise died down following the Tyne-Wear derby win over Sunderland in the FA Cup.
Some disgruntlement did return at the weekend when Newcastle threw away a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 to Manchester City. Howe’s team were criticised for sitting back, having caused them so many problems when they pressed high and got in their faces.
Newcastle were unable to replicate that in the second half and sat deeper and deeper, eventually leading to Kevin De Bruyne turning the game around with a goal and an assist.
The result leaves Newcastle down in 10th, with the FA Cup potentially their best chance of getting back into Europe. That is not ideal, considering we qualified for the Champions League last season.
There has been a big drop off from Newcastle, but Simon Jordan is adamant that Howe is doing a ‘brilliant job’ at St James’ Park.
Simon Jordan likes Eddie Howe at Newcastle
Jordan spoke about Howe on TalkSPORT’s official YouTube channel alongside former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness.
“I like him,” he said.
“I made observations about him previously which have proven to be wrong because I think he has done a brilliant job and what he’s brought against what he’s returned against the spirit he has created and the ability for the team to be operated at a high level.
“I thought they were very unlucky in the Champions League. I think you said they weren’t good enough but I think besides a penalty which should never have been given vs PSG they would still be in Europe.”
Newcastle manager is doing a brilliant job
Jordan has previously suggested that Howe is just a placeholder for Newcastle – that he will only take the club so far before the owners get a bigger name.
That kind of claim has been volleyed at Howe a lot, but the owners view him as a long-term manager at St James’ Park. The media need to realise that. The club is on a journey, and Howe is the man at the wheel.
Sure, this season has been disappointing so far. But it has been filled with sensational moments, while fine margins have gone against us.
As Jordan says, a dodgy penalty decision in Paris is the reason we are no longer in Europe.
Any criticism aimed at Howe this season needs to be put into context. He has barely been able to make any substitutes since December, with a plethora of key players out of action. Yes, every team has injuries, but the amount that Newcastle have had to important players is ridiculous.
All Howe has done on Tyneside is elevate the club. He has raised standards, and got more than anyone could have expected out of players that were written off.
As Jordan says, he is doing a brilliant job.
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