Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is seeking answers on what has happened to the team this season.
While Eddie Howe retains the support of sections of the Newcastle United fanbase, there’s little doubt the topic of his future has proven to be a divisive topic this season.
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Indeed, Howe is under pressure at Newcastle United and every defeat risks invoking the ire of supporters even further.
Al-Rumayyan is expected to head to Tyneside relatively soon as owners PIF come together for a review. That is nothing new, but it is the first time the ownership have overseen such a crisis.
Al-Rumayyan expected to look for answers to Newcastle United crisis
Chris Waugh of The Athletic was asked about the imminent PIF meeting at Matfen Hall in Northumberland.
While he reports that meetings like this have happened before and that there is surprise behind the scenes about why such a big deal is being made about it this time, Waugh adds that the chairman will be looking for an explanation as to what happened this season.
Pretend you’re in charge – WHO are you appointing next?! 🤔
Also, feel free to name someone not pictured! (I'd love Xabi Alonso)
He writes: “Al-Rumayyan is expected to seek answers as to why this season has taken such a negative turn results wise, especially in the Premier League, and will want to know how Newcastle intend to achieve their ambitious Vision 2030 (a detailed plan which has already received unanimous board approval).”
Again, these talks have happened before, so it’s not out of the ordinary. Right now, there is nothing to suggest that he is going to lose it.
Still, it’s interesting that answers will be sought given PIF have been accused of losing interest in Newcastle.
That has been a perception among onlookers, but the club themselves have constantly stressed that their ambition to be one of the biggest clubs in the world by 2030 remains the same.
What Eddie Howe has said about imminent PIF talks at Newcastle
For his part, Howe is looking forward to the summit.
Speaking in his press conference before Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal, Howe said: “It is something that happens regularly so it’s nothing out of the norm for us.
“I always like the chance to talk directly to the owners and to express things from my perspective.
“It’s something we have always done and I look forward to that next week.”
Plenty of supporters would no doubt love to be a fly on the wall during the meeting. PIF are arguably as much to blame as Howe for the many issues Newcastle currently face, given their lack of meaningful progress on anything at executive level for what felt like an age.
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