It has been three years since Eddie Howe’s first game as Newcastle United manager.
Following the departure of Steve Bruce, Newcastle United appointed Eddie Howe as their new manager on November 8th 2021.
His first match was on November 20th 2021, with Brentford arriving at St James’ Park. It was a difficult game for a then winless Newcastle United, made all the more challenging when it emerged that Howe would not be in attendance after testing positive for COVID.
Howe watched on from his hotel, as his new team, lining up in a 3-4-3 formation, came from behind twice to draw 3-3.
On the three-year anniversary of that game, Geordie Boot Boys looks at what happened to every player in Eddie Howe’s first starting XI as Newcastle United manager.
Newcastle’s defence vs Brentford
Karl Darlow
While Martin Dubravka was available after injury, Eddie Howe stuck with Karl Darlow in between the sticks. It proved to be the wrong decision, as Darlow had a very poor game in the 3-3 draw with Brentford.
The 34-year-old left Newcastle permanently in the summer of 2023, signing a three-year deal with Leeds United. He is understudy to Illan Meslier at Elland Road, while Darlow is also representing Wales at international level after making his debut in September.
Fabian Schar
Having fallen out of favour under Steve Bruce, Howe immediately drafted Fabian Schar into his starting XI. It has proven to be the correct call, as the 32-year-old is still at St James’ Park and continues to play the best football of his career.
His current deal expires in the summer of 2025, but Schar is expected to sign a contract extension with Newcastle United.
Jamaal Lascelles
The Newcastle United captain started in the middle of a back three on November 20th 2021. He scored the first goal of the Eddie Howe era, heading home a Matt Ritchie corner.
Jamaal Lascelles is still at St James’ Park, and remains the club captain. However, he has not played for the Magpies since March, as Lascelles continues to recover from an ACL injury.
Ciaran Clark
Ciaran Clark was Newcastle’s third centre-back that day, with Howe eager to have a left-footer in his backline. He was poor under Howe, and eventually lost his place in the starting XI. But his crowning achievement was a red card against Norwich City which spawned the birth of Joelinton as a midfielder.
The 35-year-old was released by Newcastle in the summer of 2023 and joined Stoke City in October that year. He was released in the summer of 2024, and is currently a free agent.
Newcastle’s midfield vs Brentford
Jacob Murphy
Howe used Jacob Murphy as a right wing-back in his first match as Newcastle United manager.
He has gone on to become an important squad player under Howe, with Murphy joining the Magpies’ leadership group at the start of the season.
Joe Willock
Joe Willock started Howe’s first game as manager, and has gone on to be one of the unsung heroes during his reign at St James’ Park.
After a difficult period with injuries, Willock is starting to get back to his best and has re-established himself as a starter on Tyneside.
Jonjo Shelvey
Shortly after arriving, Howe highlighted how important Jonjo Shelvey would be for him. But the duo only worked together for around a year, with the midfielder signing for Nottingham Forest in January 2023.
His move to the City Ground did not go to plan, and Shelvey now plays for Eyupspor in Turkey.
Matt Ritchie
Starting at left wing-back, Ritchie got an assist on this day as he linked back up with Howe. While Ritchie did not play too much for Howe over the years, he was an incredibly important player behind the scenes.
Newcastle released Ritchie at the end of last season, and he is now playing for Portsmouth in the Championship.
Newcastle’s attack vs Brentford
Joelinton
Even in 2021, Howe knew Joelinton would become an important player for him. That has proven to be the case, with Joelinton’s versatility making him vital at St James’ Park.
The Brazilian scored on this day, kickstarting his Newcastle United renaissance.
Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson was another player who Howe was reuniting with. They are still together at Newcastle United, although injuries have ensured that Wilson has not played a single minute so far this season.
Allan Saint-Maximin
When Howe arrived at Newcastle, Allan Saint-Maximin was the Magpies’ maverick. And he scored a key goal on this day, netting the equaliser as Howe’s side salvaged a 3-3 draw with Brentford.
Newcastle sold Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023, and the French winger is now on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahce.
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