Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell
Former Newcastle United star Chris Waddle believes Newcastle United face a fight to keep Eddie Howe at the club.
The Magpies manager has shown his worth in stunning style, coming through a rocky period at St James' Park to deliver the first piece of silverware in 56 years after guiding Newcastle to a Carabao Cup triumph.
The incredible feat was achieved on the back of three transfer windows in which Newcastle have failed to properly strengthen, with no first-team starter arriving in that period.
Howe also had to battle through a tricky relationship with sporting director Paul Mitchell. The duo had a strained relationship after Mitchell's criticism of the transfer policy at United in the aftermath of last summer's window, with the two men reportedly barely speaking for several weeks.
While the connection between the two men improved, Mitchell is set to leave the club at the end of this month, having sensationally announced his exit in a club statement just a year after moving to Tyneside.
The move means the Magpies will be without someone to oversee transfers in what could be a pivotal period for the club. Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson will take the lead supported by Andy Howe, who is Eddie Howe's nephew.
If there had been a power struggle over the last 12 months, the Newcastle head coach has come out on top and he will continue to play an active role in recruitment, as seen by the renewed interest in Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro, two players Howe is a big fan of.
Waddle was asked if he was concerned by Mitchell's exit and whether he felt Howe now had too much control at Newcastle.
But the former Magpies winger thinks allowing the Newcastle boss more of an influence is reward for what he's done with the squad and could potentially help ward of interest from England should they look to Howe as a replacement for Thomas Tuchel in a year's time.
"Honestly, I’m not too surprised that he [Mitchell] left," Waddle told online-casinos.com. "I think in modern day football, people move on more often. We’ve seen changes at Newcastle over the last few years.
"People get better offers, and clubs think they have better options when it comes to getting a transfer guru. A lot of people ask why but clearly there will be a reason why either he’s chosen to go, or Newcastle wants someone else.
"I think he’s doing a great job, Eddie. Newcastle will do well to hold on to him. I think after the World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada, Eddie will be number one for England.
"So, you know I think they respect him. The way they play with the squad he’s got. He’s got the most out of them.
"They’ve got the Champions League, which was his goal probably at the start of the season. They’ve won the League Cup, the first trophy for 70 years.
"He’s doing everything right and the fans love him. The players like him, obviously.
"I think he’s the frontrunner to replace Thomas Tuchel, so I don’t think he’s got too much control at Newcastle. He’s earned it with what he’s done, and the club will want to keep hold of him."