Tim Sherwood believes that Newcastle United fans love Eddie Howe, and he couldn’t be more right.
The Toon boss has been a revelation at St James’ Park, and has turned us from relegation certainties to Champions League contenders in the space of a year.
It has been a remarkable 12 months for Howe, who has massively enhanced his reputation after his time with Bournemouth ended in heartache.
But Howe is back now, and absolutely flying with Newcastle. He’s got the Magpies competing in every game and playing exciting football. He has built a team of winners, which is why the club has been so successful in 2022.
The 44-year-old deserves so much praise for what he has done in such a short space of time, and he is getting it from former Tottenham boss Sherwood. However, he hasn’t quite got his facts straight…
Tim Sherwood on Newcastle this season
Sherwood has spoke to the Premier League’s official website about Newcastle’s progress this season. He has heaped praise on Howe, whilst also having a pop at a former Toon manager. And no, it’s not the one you’re thinking of.
“The fanbase is huge there, and they’re buzzing because not only are they winning games and climbing up that league, but they’re appreciating the style of football that they’re watching,” Sherwood said.
“They’ve been bored for years watching Rafael Benitez. He was the god up there, they loved him. Would they swap him now? No chance.
“They love this man [Eddie Howe]. He’s earned the right to take them forward on this journey.”
Sherwood seems to be forgetting someone
Newcastle fans are buzzing right now because of the league position and the football being played. Sherwood is spot on.
But why on earth is he having a go at Rafael Benitez? He seems to be forgetting the man who Howe replaced – Steve Bruce! He’s the man who bored Toon fans, not Rafa.
Sure, the Spaniard was conservative in his approach against the big boys, but his tenure at St James’ Park certainly wasn’t doom and gloom. And we actually played good football during the second half of his final season in charge.
Just like Howe is now, Benitez was trying to build something on Tyneside.
The only manager who truly bored Newcastle fans is Bruce. His football was woeful. It was aimless and directionless, bordering on pointless.
Sherwood needs to check his history before trying to speak for Newcastle fans. We did love Benitez, and with good reason. He made us believe.
Now Howe has got us doing the same, and is loved just as much – possibly even more if he keeps taking the club in the right direction.