News
Simon Jordan has interviewed Eddie Howe.
The fomer Crystal Palace owner speaking at length to the Newcastle United Head Coach.
Really, really good stuff.
Great to hear Eddie Howe talking in depth about his life and career.
The whole thing is well worth a watch, recommended.
It just sums up to me, yet again, how lucky we are as Newcastle United fans, to have Eddie Howe as our leader at the club.
**Eddie Howe talking on William Hill’s [Up Front](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSyZgMHTpiU) with Simon Jordan:**
_“I knew I’d be questioned about working with the Saudi ownership and I had prepared myself for that._
_“That said, I don’t think there was ever a time where I could give a ‘correct’ answer that anyone would accept._
_“My decision-making at the time was solely based on football, of course, there were political implications, but I decided that shouldn’t interfere with my career._
_“I was put in an impossible position._
_“No matter what I said, I’d be negatively critiqued._
_“I made a decision very early to go to Newcastle._
_“Of course, I was aware of the Saudi links to the club and their ownership, but it was a footballing decision._
_“I went there for Newcastle United, for the players and the supporters._
_“I know there’s a political side of things but I don’t get involved in that, I don’t think it’s right for me to comment on that._
_“All I can say on that matter, is that the people I’ve met who represent the club – and have done brilliantly – really care about it, that’s all I can judge.”_
**Eddie Howe on Unai Emery:**
_“It doesn’t bother me that [Unai Emery](https://www.themag.co.uk/2024/08/unai-emery-with-surprising-newcastle-united-claim/) turned the Newcastle job down, not in the slightest._
_“I was given a phone call that highlighted it was a two-horse race for the job between Unai and myself._
_“Unai’s CV is unbelievable, at that point I knew I’d lost!_
_“I got the call to say they were going to go into another direction, and I completely understood their decision. He’s a top-quality manager._
_“There was no ill feeling from my end towards Unai or Newcastle._
_“When I got the call the next day and they offered me the job after Unai turned it down, I was absolutely delighted. I realised what a big opportunity this was for me._
_“I had no reservations towards the club about them leaning towards Unai initially, that’s football._
_“Of course, as a human being you have those anxieties and fears stepping into a new role. You have to prove yourself all over again, you need to set your intentions early and try to inspire a new group of people to bring the club together._
_“There was no doubt in my mind in taking the opportunity, I realised there would not be another opportunity for me like this and I couldn’t wait to get involved.”_
As I said earlier, an excellent interview this, well worth watching the whole thing, as Eddie Howe talks to Simon Jordan about all aspects of his life in football, especially at Newcastle United.