Eddie Howe faces his biggest challenge yet at St James’ Park - here is a three-point plan to reassure his Newcastle United critics.
Three tranquil weeks to calm a ferocious storm of criticism came just at the right time for Newcastle United. Vitriol emanated around Tyneside following the Sunderland defeat - with much of the anger aimed towards Eddie Howe.
Until recently, the Toon boss enjoyed unwavering support at St James’ Park. But such is the visceral nature of the Tyne-Wear derby that a loss to the old enemy can banish any black-and-white messiah to fallen-angel status.
Even David Hopkinson, Newcastle’s new Canadian CEO who likely could not distinguish a Geordie from a Mackem 12 months ago, admitted the Sunderland setback stung. Even he - just weeks after giving Howe a public show of support - erred on the side of caution when discussing the manager’s future last week.
It is understood that Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson remain behind Howe. However, there is an acceptance that the buck ultimately lies with the Saudi backers - and their mood could be dictated by these final seven games.
NewcastleWorld has profiled the “three Rs” that Howe must accept - and rectify where needed - if he is to convince the powers that be. Most importantly, an ever-growing number of fans are also seeking reassurance.
Results
This is the simple one. Losing both derbies was, is and always will be unacceptable for any Newcastle manager. The minority who taunted Black Cats fans about the fixture “just being another game” were given the ultimate kidney punch when Brian Brobbey bagged that last-minute winner.
But Sunderland aside, the loss just compounded the misery that Toon fans have felt throughout the season. While mitigating factors for the campaign are valid, this team should not be 12th.
Recent home losses to Everton and Brentford were just as damning - with Newcastle also humbled by Barcelona. While there is no shame in a Camp Nou defeat, Howe described the tie as the biggest in the club’s history - only to limp out with a whimper.
They are four points off seventh. Europa League football is in play. That is the bare minimum to salvage the wreckage of this sunken season.
Relinquish
If - as the noises suggest - Howe is given a chance of redemption, he must relinquish power within the walls of St James’ Park. Without a functioning CEO or sporting director last summer, the 48-year-old was hung out to dry. That cannot be argued.
But there is perhaps a wider reason for Dan Ashworth or Paul Mitchell did not stay the course. Howe is onto his third sporting director at Newcastle and, by all accounts, enjoys a positive relationship with Wilson.
This summer presents their first real test and Wilson must be allowed to fulfil his remit. That does not mean shunning Howe. He deserves a strong voice on every aspect concerning the first-team squad, but not an omnipotent one.
A power vacuum has been evident since Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left two years ago. The balance must be right if Newcastle are to get this project back on track.
Ruthless
The biggest personal gripe of Howe’s tenure is his reluctance to move players on. There are several names on Newcastle’s books who were past their sell-by date long ago.
It would perhaps be prudent for the Magpies to sell when the stocks are high. Take Miguel Almiron as an example, who left for around £8million 14 months ago.
Atlanta United would have likely stumped up double the fee if Newcastle cashed in following Almiron’s purple patch. Was an opportunity not also missed with Jacob Murphy following his heroics last year?
Howe kept the likes of Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett as key dressing room figures way beyond their welcome. Likewise, are Emil Krafth and Joe Willock - a player Newcastle turned down £20million for in January - really the cold-blooded killers needed to achieve the 2030 vision?
Not to mention John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, who have as much chance of playing as any season ticket holder. Howe must detach facts from feelings and develop a ruthless streak in the market.
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