Eddie Howe and Newcastle United are a match made in heaven, and it is a partnership that outsiders would love to see come to an end.
Firstly, because Eddie Howe is one of the biggest reasons why Newcastle are threatening to become such a force. He masterminded the Magpies’ 4-1 win over PSG in the Champions League, while he also got us to a cup final last season.
Without Howe, it is difficult to envision any of that happening. The Newcastle owners appointed the perfect manager, much to the frustration of our rivals.
Secondly, outsiders want Howe out of Newcastle because they want him to manage England ahead of Gareth Southgate.
With the Three Lions set to play against Australia and Italy, talk about Southgate is rife once again. A lot of England fans are not happy with the manager, and want someone else in charge.
And one name that keeps cropping up as a replacement is Eddie Howe.
Darren Bent is certain Eddie Howe should stay at Newcastle
During a phone-in on TalkSPORT on Tuesday evening, one caller suggested that Eddie Howe should be the England manager when the UK and Ireland host Euro 2028.
However, pundit and former Sunderland striker Darren Bent was having none of it.
“If I’m Eddie Howe, I’m not leaving Newcastle for the England job,” he said.
“Absolutely not. No chance. No way. Eddie Howe might leave Newcastle, go to England and not work out.
“Give me a Champions League side. I’m not leaving Newcastle, big club, massive chequebook.
“If he does well and stays at Newcastle for the next 10 years, wins trophies with them, because I think they’re more than capable of doing that…”
Howe is creating a legacy at St James’ Park
Why on earth would Howe want to leave Newcastle for England? He has got everything he wants on Tyneside.
Howe has built a team that plays exactly the way he wants, winning the adulation of the fans in the process. He also has the complete backing of the board, who just seem enamoured with everything Howe has done for Newcastle United.
He would not get that kind of love with England. There would be constant scrutiny and complaining, which Southgate will attest to.
The main thing Howe would miss is coaching. He loves working with players on a daily basis, helping them improve. That is exactly what he has done at Newcastle, with so many Toon players now shadows of their former selves.
He would not get those coaching opportunities with England. International breaks are few and far between.
What Howe has got at Newcastle is special. Outsiders will think that the owners will get bored and go for a big name in the future, but they obviously have not been paying attention.
Everything that happens at Newcastle nowadays is done with a purpose. It is methodical and calculated, with Eddie Howe steering the Geordie ship closer and closer to glory. Without him, things would be very different – and not for the better.
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