Richard Keys is never far away from a controversial comment when it comes to Newcastle United, and this time it’s Toon boss Eddie Howe in the firing line.
It is the second time the former Sky Sports presenter has made a jibe towards Toon this season, having doubted PIF’s commitment to the project in September – and that we will never become an elite club.
Keys has again took it upon himself to comment on matters on Tyneside, this time with a more targeted approach.
In his latest blog ramblings about Gary O’Neil’s sacking at Wolves, Russell Martin’s departure at Southampton and the lack of English managers in the Premier League, the disgraced former Sky Sports host predicted it won’t be long until Eddie Howe is also given the boot.
“I’m sorry to see Gary O’Neil go. And no – I don’t owe Bournemouth fans an apology. The way he was treated by your club was a disgrace,” said Keys.
“It’s not many months since O’Neil was being touted as a future England manager. I still believe he’s good at what he does, but he was fighting a losing battle at Wolves. Any coach that’s seen £250m worth of talent sold would struggle.
“I hope both O’Neil and (Russell) Martin find their way back into the game. With Steve Cooper sacked earlier in the season we’re three British coaches down now. We’ve only got Eddie Howe, Sean Dyche and Kieran McKenna left.
“I don’t expect Dyche to start next season at Everton. The chances are Howe won’t be at Newcastle either and you’d be brave to suggest Ipswich will stay up.”
As always seems to be the case, Keys comment about Newcastle is elevated from opinion rather than fact – but it can’t be denied he makes a decent general point.
Though he may well be wrong on Howe – only time will tell – it’s a fair observation regarding the total lack of British coaches currently in the Premier League, with two more gone after O’Neil and Martin’s departures over the weekend.
Recent reports have indicated that, despite Keys’ opinion, Howe has the unwavering backing of our current ownership group who have faith in what the gaffer is building in the north east.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards claims that a source close to the club said there has been no conversations about relieving the former-Bournemouth manager of his duties, suggesting he retains their full support.
The source said: “He understands the wider picture in terms of PSR and the financial challenges facing the club. He does not get too high when things are going well, or too low when they are difficult.
“He is the perfect fit for what Newcastle are trying to be and the challenges faced in terms of building long-term, sustainable success. Nobody is thinking about replacing him.”
Howe has more credit in the bank after the emphatic victory over Leicester on the weekend, which will only be further consolidated if we can progress to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup tomorrow night.