Eddie Howe's position as Newcastle manager has come under scrutiny
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer(Image: The Rest Is Football)
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Eddie Howe's critics have been warned to be careful what they wish for amid claims that the Newcastle United boss has taken the club as far as he can.
A smattering of boos at full-time, following a 3-2 defeat at home against Brentford, added to some increased noise on social media as Newcastle continue to underperform in the Premier League. The Magpies are 12th in the table and haven't won since January 7 in all competitions.
A bullish Howe insisted he remains confident that he is the best man for the job in his Press conference to preview the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night. The 48-year-old admitted he needs the club to stick together if they are to turn around their fortunes.
It was a point also made by Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker who addressed the issue in the latest edition of their Rest is Football podcast with both pundits forthright in their opinion that Howe needs support and backing.
"There's a lot of unrest at St James' Park, a lot of booing. Eddie Howe seems to be under pressure but before you offer your opinion I want to put my two-penneth worth on," Lineker told Shearer.
"Eddie Howe has been the most successful manager you've had in Premier League history. He's won you a competition There was a bit of turmoil in the summer obviously and the recruitment so far has not borne fruit.
"I think to turn on Eddie and want him out would be ludicrous, ludicrous and boy oh boy, be careful what you wish for because he's a talented coach."
"I'm with that," Shearer replied. "Eddie gave me my best day as a Newcastle fan in my lifetime so I'm not turning on him at all."
The Newcastle legend admits Howe is having a rough ride - the first dip in almost four and a half years in charge of the club - but insists that is all the more reason to stick with the manager. And he reiterated Lineker's warning that the grass isn't always greener on the other side with a firm message to fans and Howe's critics.
"There's a lot of discussion and you should never listen to it online but I'm without a doubt stick with Eddie," he added. "Just be careful what you wish for.
"This guy has given us the best day of our life in terms of winning a trophy, my life anyway. He's a brilliant coach and there's no doubt that he's having a tough time at this moment in time, his first real test but that doesn't mean you get rid of someone when they're having a bit of a tough time - for the first time.
"So for me, stick with him. We try and stick together as a football club because there's a lot of noise and that's the way you get better and improve."
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