Eddie Howe could well be backed at Newcastle United following their defeat to Sunderland, at least according to Luke Edwards of The Daily Telegraph.
Whether Howe is actually under pressure from PIF remains to be seen but there is little doubt that at least some supporters are starting to turn.
The exact size and strength of what is known as the ‘Howe out brigade’ on social media is up for debate, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that his team have been booed off the park inside their own stadium twice now.
An absolute legend but there’s no coming back from this…
A graphic asking Newcastle United fans to prove the statement: "It is time for Eddie Howe to leave Newcastle United."
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
Indeed, the Magpies were booed following Newcastle’s dreadful defeat to Sunderland, forcing Howe to answer questions over his future in his post-match press conference.
Though there’s no suggestion that PIF are considering a change, it’s natural that onlookers might question Howe right now.
Still, Edwards believes he’s in line for some backing.
Howe could be backed by PIF at Newcastle
Not long after the full-time whistle went at St James’ Park, Edwards launched a big defence of Howe on social media platform X.
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It read: “I’m going to say it now so we are all clear. I’m not calling for Eddie Howe to be sacked because he remains the best manager for the job and has over achieved for four years. My view hasn’t changed on that.
“Yes this is difficult and he’s under huge pressure now but he deserves a chance to rebuild the team in the summer and go again. And I’m very confident he will bring more success in the future. Thanks for your time. Nobody will get me to change my mind.”
When asked if Howe would be backed, Edwards said: “Yeah I think so.”
Eddie Howe looks dejected after Newcastle United lose to Sunderland.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
When it was put to Edwards that PIF shouldn’t rush into any big decisions, he replied: “That is what they will do and is sensible.”
Howe did admit that Newcastle’s lack of spending has hindered his team, although it is worth mentioning that the club spent around £250million in the summer of 2025.
Still, he is right to point out that the fact the club didn’t sign a major player in three consecutive transfer windows has not helped him at all.
It would be too much to suggest that Howe has lost the Newcastle fans.
He is a very much a club legend and deserves to be treated with respect. If he is backed, then he will no doubt have a huge amount of support from large sections of the fanbase.
That does not mean, however, that there won’t continue to be dissenting voices…
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