It has been a strange couple of weeks at Newcastle United after CEO David Hopkinson spoke to the media.
Newcastle’s Canadian CEO held a round table with journalists a couple of weeks ago to go over our latest financial results, during which it was revealed that the club had engaged in some smart accounting, selling the leasehold of the stadium back to itself.
During the talk, David Hopkinson was asked about the future of Eddie Howe, and while he said there were no plans to replace the current gaffer, he did hint that a poor end to the season could change that stance.
That little bit of ambiguity was all that was required to create doomsday headlines suggesting that Howe had ‘seven games to save his job’. But where do things really stand?
A new report in The Times’ Martin Hardy has claimed that Hopkinson and Howe have held private talks during which the former Bournemouth manager was given assurances over his future.
Unsurprisingly, it’s said Howe wasn’t best pleased with Hopkinson’s initial comments, but the two have since spoken and Hopkinson assured Howe that it was never his intention to create any doubt over his position and emphasised that he still has the full backing of the board.
Only time will tell how genuine those words are, as Howe suggested earlier today that productive talks took place with Hopkinson and Ross Wilson following that crushing defeat to Sunderland last month.
Howe insists he is “100% committed”, but the club’s commitment to him will be tested next month if the season ends without any European football secured for 2026/27.
We stand by our feeling that Howe should be given next season to show us what he can really do. It’s easy to forget that last year’s transfer window saw Howe navigating a difficult period with no sporting director and a CEO with one foot out the door.
With proper backing this summer, after last year’s car crash without a sporting director or fit CEO, and a bit of time to put the things right he’s not had the time to this season, we’ll see what he’s really made of next season.
If we struggle again next season, then we will concede that it may be time to look elsewhere, but for now, we’re happy that Howe is getting the backing that he’s clearly earned.