Less than a year after guiding Newcastle United to one of the greatest days in its history, Eddie Howe is facing the toughest test of his tenure on Tyneside.
Saturday’s 3-2 loss at home to Brentford was met by a loud chorus of boos from the St James’ Park faithful, something which would have been unimaginable at the start of the campaign.
With uninspired performances in big games, a squad decimated by injury after injury, several summer signings struggling, and questionable team selections, this is without a doubt the most scrutiny Howe has received since his appointment back in November 2021.
And after delivering some very harsh criticism of the team following the Brentford game, Alan Shearer has delivered his verdict on Howe’s position following growing discontent from section of Newcastle fans online.
On the latest episode of [The Rest Is Football](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV1o9rrrXGU) podcast, Alan Shearer gave his backing to the under-fire Howe, claiming some Newcastle fans calling for his head too quickly should be careful what they wish for.
Our former No.9 has seen his fair share of tempestuous managerial stints during his time as a player, including Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan’s departures, and insists that we shouldn’t be calling for Howe’s dismissal after his first real rough patch.
Speaking to Gary Lineker ahead of tonight’s trip to Spurs, Shearer had this to say on Howe’s position after discussing the ‘poor recruitment’ that’s cost us in more ways than one this season:
> _“I am not turning on him at all. I think you have to look at the bigger picture, to see why and what has gone on._
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> _“Because of the high standards that he set – Champions League football and continually getting to the latter stages of cup competitions, which we always struggled in._ _That’s the standard he set, so when you drop below that, you are going to come in for some criticism._
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> _“I get that, because as a manager you have to win games, and right now Newcastle are not, and aren’t sitting pretty in the Premier League. But you have to look at the bigger picture. Last summer didn’t help anyone. The recruitment hasn’t worked._
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> _“There’s a lot of discussion and you should never listen to it online but I’m without a doubt sticking with Eddie. Just be careful what you wish for._
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> _“This guy has given us the best day of our life in terms of winning a trophy, my life anyway._
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> _“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._
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> _“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.”_
Lineker agreed with this sentiment, believing it would be “ludicrous” if the club turned on Howe and forced him out at the first major sign of trouble.
We have six huge games left of this month, and with the exception of the trip to Manchester City in the Premier League, each one is absolutely must win.
We can’t afford to lose pace in the race for 5th place in the league, so six points will be needed against both Spurs and Everton.
Then there’s the FA Cup trip to Villa Park: Unai Emery’s team haven’t been at their brilliant best in recent weeks, and have been similarly decimated by injury. Howe can avenge the defeat in the league from last month with a win on Saturday, and keeping us in contention for major silverware.
And of course, the Champions League play-off against Qarabag, where the prize of a last 16 clash against Barcelona or Chelsea. Howe can further write his name in the history books with our best progress in a UCL campaign ever, but the stakes will be incredibly high. Anything less than a stellar, one-sided performance over the two legs, and this scrutiny won’t go away anytime soon.