A former Premier League manager has leapt to Eddie Howe’s defence.
A 7-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League and a second Tyne-Wear derby loss of the season to Sunderland just four days later has led to Howe’s future being hotly debated during the international break.
Howe and his players were booed off by a section of the St James’ Park crowd following the Sunderland defeat, which has left the Magpies 12th in the Premier League table with seven matches left to play.
United are at risk of missing out on their target of European qualification, but Pulis has hit out at supporters for wanting more from their manager.
Tony Pulis slams Newcastle United fans who question Eddie Howe
“Not only the League Cup, they've qualified for the Champions League for two years as well, since Eddie's been there,” Pulis told The Managers Podcast.
“He's actually taken over a club that were in the bottom, were looking as though they were going to fight against relegation, and he's spun it right round to what they're getting now.
“The problem in this country is, the more you give people, the more they want. And there are loads and loads of people out there. Never mind what you give them, they won't be happy, or they'll take it, and then ask for a little bit more again, and a little bit more again.
“I think the majority of Newcastle supporters actually adore Eddie Howe. I think they are absolutely delighted with what he's done at that football club, and will back him. I think the board will back him, I don't think there's a problem.
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“But the people who are moaning and groaning, really, they're everywhere. It's not just in Newcastle, they are all around the country. And like I say, they're people who, never mind what you give them, they'll never be happy with. They'll always want a bit more, and a bit more, and a bit more.
“And we're seeing a bit of that at Newcastle, it's disappointing. He's had a poor run of results, Eddie will be the first [to hold his hands up]. I know him, and he'll take it, he'll really take it hard. Because that's the way he is, but, he's always bounced back.
“Fingers crossed he'll wash this off, and they have a good end to the season. They've still got a great chance of finishing at the top end of the table, if they win their games.
“They're a good side, they've got some good players. If they can get that balance, and get the injured players back, and they finish top half of the table up, around one of the European positions, I'll be delighted for him, because he's a good lad.”
Newcastle return to action next weekend when they visit Crystal Palace. Champions League qualification looks to be a long shot with Howe’s side currently trailing fifth place Liverpool but seven points, however a seventh place finish is regarded as achievable with the gap just four points.
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