Newcastle United could sack Eddie Howe at the end of the season, even if they finish in the top four – according to Stan Collymore.
That is the view of the pundit, who believes that the Toon owners could decide to make a change in the dugout if they secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Howe’s side are enjoying a remarkable season, and are currently third in the Premier League after 18 games. The first half of the season couldn’t have gone much better, with the Magpies only losing one game so far.
Newcastle have been striking the perfect balance this season. They are hard to beat and resilient at the back, whilst also showing flair and excitement in and around the box. The attacking exploits of Miguel Almiron have been just as impressive as Sven Botman’s defensive prowess.
The Magpies’ form has got Toon fans dreaming of a return to Europe, with Champions League qualification possibly on the cards. Our last appearance in the competition came in 2003, when we lost a qualifier against Partizan Belgrade.
Fast forward to 2023 and the Champions League dream is alive again. Yet, remarkably, former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore believes a top four finish could signal the end for Howe at St James’ Park.
Collymore explains why Newcastle could sack Howe
The pundit has been speaking to Caught Offside, and has explained why qualifying for the Champions League could see the Newcastle owners ponder a change of manager.
“Don’t get me wrong, I know Eddie Howe is doing an absolutely phenomenal job there but if the Magpies do qualify for the Champions League, I’m sure the owners will at least have the conversation about sacking him and bringing someone else in with pre-established European pedigree,” he said.
“In terms of Howe’s experience of managing a club competing on multiple domestic and European fronts, he doesn’t have any. Maybe the owners will say ‘he’s done so well, we’ll give him a chance’ – but I do really believe they’ll consider parting ways in favour of a manager who has the experience that Howe lacks because if you’re Newcastle United and suddenly you’re in the Champions League, why on earth wouldn’t you consider going out and trying to bring in a top, top manager?
“I think it’d be incredibly naive of Newcastle United’s owners to not consider sacking Howe if they qualified for the Champions League.”
Absolute nonsense
Where do you begin with that utter garbage?
So Collymore thinks Howe could achieve Newcastle’s best Premier League finish for 20 years, and end up being unemployed.
The logic is just utter madness. Yes, Howe does not have any European experience. But like a teenager looking for work, how on earth are you meant to get experience without being given a chance?!
If Howe guides Newcastle to the Champions League, he has to be the one managing them in the competition. There is no way that he would be punished for being successful.
It is almost as if Collymore hasn’t fully been paying attention at what has been going on at St James’ Park. The owners have been making smart and calculated decisions ever since they took over, rather than making snap judgements and lavishly splashing the cash.
They have signed players who are fit for purpose rather than big names with huge reputations, and they have a manager who is getting every ounce out of his team.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it is staggering to think that Collymore actually believes the Newcastle owners would be that stupid.
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