While some are tipping Eddie Howe to become the next England manager, Newcastle United have taken steps to ensure that does not happen.
There is speculation that Gareth Southgate could be replaced as Three Lions boss after the World Cup, and it was previously suggested that Howe and Graham Potter would be two of the favourites to take over.
Potter has only just moved to Chelsea so there is no chance he will move again, leaving the Magpies in a potentially vulnerable position.
After some time away from the game that saw his reputation plummet, Howe has rebuilt his stock at St James’ Park.
He worked wonders last season in keeping Newcastle in the top flight, and the early signs this season suggest that it should be a good campaign.
Howe has done so well at Newcastle that he’s already signed a new contract, and it should help the Toon owners keep him if England do come calling.
Eddie Howe’s new contract should keep him at Newcastle
The Magpies announced in August that Howe had signed a new contract with the club, less than a year after taking over. It summed up how well his first season went.
And i News report that his contract does not include a release clause. That’s good news if England do decide they want to replace Southgate with him. It would force the FA to agree a compensation package with Newcastle, which would be very costly given his importance to the club.
The fact his deal doesn’t include a release clause is a strong message. Howe hailed Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes for agreeing similar deals when they joined Newcastle. It would be hypocritical if he wasn’t all in either.
While Howe might be in the conversation to be England’s next manager, all Newcastle fans are bothered about is his future at St James’ Park. The 44-year-old is part of something special on Tyneside, guiding a club that has ambitions of reaching the top.
But Howe isn’t just providing the building blocks – he is being backed to take Newcastle all the way.
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