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Eddie Howe | Getty Images
A growing number of Newcastle United supporters have begun to question Eddie Howe’s position.
Wayne Rooney believes Eddie Howe is a “great manager” and the right man to lead Newcastle United.
An underwhelming campaign has led to a section of supporters voicing their concern over Howe’s future. Newcastle sit 12th in the Premier League and are now out of both cup competitions thanks to Manchester City.
The Champions League has offered solace but Barcelona stand in Newcastle’s way of reaching the quarter-finals. Many understand the mitigating factors that have contributed to an haphazard campaign for the Magpies.
Wayne Rooney backs Eddie Howe
However, critics point towards the £250million spent last summer, with Howe having a hands-on role in signing players. The Toon boss has also faced backlash to his in-game management - most notably against Manchester City at the weekend.
It should be noted that the majority of fans remain firmly behind Howe, recognising his stellar work over four years at St James’ Park. Losing Alexander Isak last summer while not having a sporting director or active CEO made replacing him an uphill challenge.
Manchester United legend Rooney sympathises with this viewpoint and has backed Howe to turn the tide on Tyneside. He told his podcast: “I think Newcastle have got a great manager in Eddie Howe…he has really impressed with everything he does and they just have to build slowly over the next few years.
“For the (Newcastle) fans, I’m sure they obviously want to taste another trophy, but they’ll have to just try to be patient with it. They will be frustrated at times because they won’t be challenging for titles or whatever. But I think they can get there gradually over the next five or so years (Howe).”
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Eddie Howe on Newcastle United future
Howe remained as determined as ever when asked about his Newcastle future last month. He told reporters: “I think the key question I always have to ask myself is, ‘Am I the right person to take the team and the club forward?’
“There’s no doubt in my mind (that I’m the right man). If there was (doubt) I wouldn’t be (here) because the club’s the most important thing. I’d never put myself before the club. If I didn’t think I was the correct man to take the team forward and could give the players what they need, then I would step aside and let someone else do it.
“The momentum is against us at the moment. We have to swing it back – the world can look a very different place within a couple of games.”
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