Bookamkers have installed the Bournemouth boss as the No 1 contender
Andoni Iraola, manager of AFC Bournemouth greets Newcastle United's Eddie Howe
Andoni Iraola, manager of AFC Bournemouth greets Newcastle United's Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola wouldn't be a better option as Newcastle United boss than Eddie Howe despite emerging as the favourite for the job should PIF decide to make a summer change.
That's the view of former Premier League striker Charlie Austin, now working as a pundit for Sky Sports.
Howe's position has come under scrutiny after a disappointing season. Newcastle have done well in cup competitions - reaching the semi-final of the Carabao Cup as they defended the trophy after last year's historic win; progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League; and being knocked out in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester City.
However their rollercoaster league form has left many fans unhappy with the perceived lack of progress, particularly in light of a £250million spend in the summer transfer window.
Chief executive David Hopkinson refused to give Howe any long-term assurances when asked about his future last week. Instead, the Toon supremo wants a strong finish the the season with seven games left.
Bournemouth boss Iraola has emerged as the bookies' favourite should Howe lose his job. The Spaniard has won admirers for his pressing, high intensity, attacking style with the Cherries on a modest budget.
Austin, however, believes Newcastle expectations are too high this season and has warned supporters to 'be careful what you wish for'. The former striker played under Howe a Burnley and believes he has done a great job.
Asked if the 48-year-old should be under pressure, he told Sky Sports: “No, you’re getting frustrated but it’s the expectations. It’s the Newcastle fans’ expectations are too high at this moment in time. I understand they’re 12th in the table, they got into the Champions League and we saw this last time they got into the Champions League.
"They didn’t back it up with their performances in the Premier League, did they? I just feel like the job he has done at that football club is superb.
“He’s brought the players in. The two biggest signings he made were Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn at the start and they’ve been fantastic servants for the football club, of course they have. When they bring in new players, he (Howe) is the man to do it.
"He has been a phenomenal manager for the football club and the last thing I will say is be careful what you wish for. I’m not sure you’re going to take him (Andoni Iraola) over him. I really don’t. The job he [Howe] has done there has been superb.”
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