Jack Colback pictured during his Newcastle United (left) and Sunderland days.placeholder image
Jack Colback pictured during his Newcastle United (left) and Sunderland days. | Getty Images
Jack Colback has weighed in on the current situations at Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Jack Colback has backed Eddie Howe to get Newcastle United firing following their poor start to the season.
Defeat to Brentford at the weekend leaves the Magpies just two points above the relegation zone. The media spotlight has been placed on whether Howe - revered on Tyneside for his successes in recent seasons - is under pressure at St James’ Park.
While the Premier League form has been poor, Newcastle are going well in the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Former Toon midfielder Colback - who signed on a free from bitter rivals Sunderland in 2014 - believes juggling the competitions has been United’s problem.
Jack Colback backs Eddie Howe
“What's difficult for them is that they are playing European football and maybe it's difficult to lift yourself so high for those games, to then go again in the Premier League a few days later,” he told talkSPORT. “It's tough. You see it a lot with teams who are in Europe, they struggle in the league.
“I don't think Eddie House's job should be on the line at all. He’s done remarkable things and for all the talk about Newcastle and the money they've got behind them, they can't really spend it. They've lost (Alexander) Isak, which is a huge loss for them. But I'd put money on Newcastle finishing a lot better than where they are now.”
‘A great club’ - Jack Colback on Sunderland
Colback tarnished his reputation with Sunderland fans when he left the club 11 years ago. However, the 36-year-old still keeps tabs on the Black Cats and has been impressed by their start to the campaign.
“If you take into account what happened last season, the three who got promoted, obviously went straight back down and really struggled,” Colback added. “It's (Sunderland’s form) remarkable, really. They've made a lot of changes but to do what they're doing in that league, it's unbelievable and full credit to the club.
“They've obviously signed well, they've looked into it properly. The manager for his second season in English football has shown great things. So a long way to continue for them, it's a great club.”
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Jack Colback on European hopes
On whether the Black Cats can qualify for Europe, Colback said: “Anything's possible. The way the Premier League is now, it's so spread in terms of the level of player that each club has. It's so different from when I was there. You can be top four or five and then drop down quite quickly.
“You look at Aston Villa as well, they were struggling and they're on fire now. I don't see why not (Sunderland can’t get Europe). They're playing against good teams. Against Arsenal they showed up, so I don't see why not.”
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