A look at the candidates who could take the Newcastle United job if the pressure becomes too much for Eddie Howe.
Andoni Iraola to become the next Newcastle United manager is just as likely as Eddie Howe to face the axe.
That is according to bookmakers, who slashed the price on the Magpies to sack Howe following the Sunderland defeat. For the first time in his Toon career, a section of fans are questioning whether he is the man to takeNewcastle forward.
Until now, animosity towards the manager had largely been restricted to dark corners of social media. However, a self-inflicted defeat tothe Black Cats - for the second time this season - has generated a wave of tangible toxicity.
Boos echoed around St James' Park at the full-time whistle as Newcastle applauded the supporters. Any hopes of salvaging a stuttering campaign are now dashed - with not even a late run for European football being enough to erase the derby hoodoo.
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Bookies slash Eddie Howe odds
At the turn of the year, Howe was priced at a staggering 40/1 by some bookmakers to be the next Premier League manager sacked. However, the Toon boss is now just 3/1 - highlighting the consequences of a Tyne-Wear derby defeat.
Also in the running to face the chop are Oliver Glasner, Liam Rosenior and Arne Slot. Here is a list of the Premier League sack race in full.
Oliver Glasner - 5/2
Liam Rosenior - 5/2
Arne Slot -11/4
Eddie Howe - 3/1
Scott Parker - 9/2
No manager to leave - 12/1
Next Newcastle United manager odds
Iraola is also 3/1 to choose Newcastle as his next step. Howe and the Spaniard have a healthy relationship dating back to his time at Rayo Vallecano.
He has impressed at Bournemouth since taking the reins in 2023 despite losing several top players. Bookies view him as the top candidate for Newcastle if Howe were to leave.
Also in the running would be Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva and Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez. Here is the list in full.
Andoni Iraola - 3/1
Oliver Glasner - 4/1
Marco Silva - 6/1
Xavi Hernandez - 8/1
Newcastle United stance
The shot-callers at St James' Park will not react hastily to the derby defeat. There is an understanding at boardroom level of the mitigating factors behind Newcastle’s underwhelming campaign.
This aligns with the Gazette’s understanding, with Howe - for now - being given the opportunity to set the record straight this summer. With sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson in place, there is optimism that Newcastle are in a better place to attack the summer window but, ultimately, the decision could come from above.
Recognition remains of Howe's achievements - including two Champions League qualifications and a Carabao Cup trophy. As long as the atmosphere inside the ground does not turn toxic - and Newcastle’s form avoids nosediving further - their position will not change.
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