The Magpies are sitting in 12th place in the table and European football has been deemed a must this season
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson and head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson and head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United supremo David Hopkinson has revealed he spent a two-hour lunch meeting with head coach Eddie Howe in the direct aftermath of the 2-1 loss to Sunderland at St James' Park - but refused to give long-term assurances over the manager's position.
The Canadian laid down the expectation from club bosses in the final seven matches of the 2025/26 season during a round table with journalists at St James' Park this week to discuss the latest set of financial figures.
The club announced strong results, with record revenues recorded and a 44% increase in commercial income as the club’s turnover rose by £15m to £335.3m despite having no European football. Profit after tax was £34.7m.
With Champions League money from this season set to appear in next year's edition of the accounts, things will look even rosier in 12 months time, although nobody at United needs to be reminded that failing to qualify for Europe this term will disrupt the club's progress on the financial front.
It means pressure remains on Howe, with United languishing in 12th spot in the Premier League table despite a run to the last 16 of this season's Champions League. The scrutiny on the head coach has intensified in the wake of the derby defeat against Sunderland and Hopkinson stopped short of giving any assurances over Howe's long-term future. Instead, he underlined the need for everybody at the club to focus on the short-term, which includes tough games away to Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest before the season is out.
When asked about Howe's future, Hopkinson said: "I don't have a stance on his future. What I can tell you is that the derby loss hurt. We take it seriously. There's nothing within us that thinks 'well, it's just three points and on we go'. It has resonated.
"I spent a couple of hours in a one-on-one lunch recently with Eddie, and we talked through a multitude of things, including that.
"Eddie's our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here, and we'll talk about the future when it's time. Right now, we're focused on this season's competition."
Hopkinson was then pressed on his remarks about Howe and whether he'd given an open-ended answer. The CEO, who reaffirmed the need to be in Europe next season, backed up by finance chief Simon Capper sat next to him in the room, said: “I would not frame it that way (open ended). We are not looking to make a change at the moment.
"We are not having those conversations. We are still in the midst of the season. Right now we are focused on the seven matches we have remaining and not distracting ourselves with speculation about what we may or may not do in the summer.
"Right now, all of us have only got so much bandwidth and we are focused on this season and finishing strongly."
Capper and Hopkinson, meanwhile, both indicated that Newcastle must see themselves as a 'trading' club, with the need to sell and buy now clear because of financial rules, and that Howe is under no illusions about what the future holds in the transfer market.
It comes amid speculation over the future of several of Newcastle's big-name players, with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Bruno Guimaraes all linked with moves away this summer.
Hopkinson said: "Eddie is experienced, thoughtful and understands squad cost management and the need to maximise our competitive opportunity. Eddie wants the exact same things we do and we have lots of good dialogue with him. What I can tell you is he is aligned and understands this."
The club's financial results, meanwhile, underlined the ongoing commitment progress made since the Saudi-led takeover in 2021, with significant growth after years of stagnation under Mike Ashley. Hopkinson insists the figures put the Magpies in a good place to help them achieve the aim of 'world class' status by 2030, although they were boosted by selling the leasehold of St James’ Park and other assets to a company that is part of its overall operations.
A club statement read: "Newcastle United Limited has announced its financial results for the year ended June 2025, confirming record revenues and a 44% increase in commercial income as the club’s operational transformation continues.
"The 2025 financial results are supported by success on the pitch during the account period, with the club winning a first domestic trophy in 70 years and achieving a fifth-place finish in the Premier League to qualify for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
"Despite not playing in European competition during the accounting period, the club’s turnover rose by £15m to £335.3m. Profit after tax was strongly positive at £34.7m. A 44% rise in commercial revenue was a key driver in overcoming the loss of European earnings. This was supported by investment into a new in-house retail operation and the opening of the unique ‘St. James’ STACK’ fan zone next to St. James’ Park.
"The club also undertook the reorganisation of its property holdings and group structure to support future investment in infrastructure, which was accounted for in accordance with FRS102 accounting rules. The 2025 financial results reflect a profit on disposal of £133.2m, which will be slightly adjusted in Financial Year 2026 based on results of a now-concluded Premier League fair market value process."
Hopkinson said in a club statement: “Our financial results reflect not only strong progress on and off the pitch, but also the firm foundations being laid for the future we all aspire to. Thanks to the continued backing of PIF and the Reuben family, we are better positioned than ever to invest in our long-term vision and create the conditions for sustained success.
"Together with our supporters, our staff, our players and our ownership, we move forward with ambition and a shared belief in what this club can become.
"As these results pre-date my arrival, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Darren Eales for his leadership and dedication during an important period of transition for the club. He made a lasting contribution during a key phase, and we are building on that progress with confidence."
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