Jonjo Shelvey has urged Newcastle United to stick with Eddie Howe after the former England international began his own managerial career – and believes a lack of squad depth is their biggest issue.
Howe is under pressure at Newcastle United despite lifting the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years only a year ago, which underlines the ruthless nature of being a football manager.
Shelvey, who made 202 appearances for Newcastle United between 2016 and 2023, has stepped into the managerial world for the first time.
If you had to put a percentage on it….
A graphic asking fans the question: "To what extent is Eddie Howe to blame for this season?" Image shows Eddie Howe looking dejected after Newcastle United lose to Crystal Palace.
Credit: Getty Images/Serena Taylor/Newcastle United
He has announced his retirement and will now manage the last club he played for, a side in the UAE called Arabian Falcons.
In his own words, Howe is the best manager that Shelvey ever played under, and he wants the Magpies to stick with what they’ve got.
Shelvey thinks squad depth is Newcastle’s biggest problem
Asked about the problems at Newcastle right now while speaking to Sky Sports, Shelvey said: “I just don’t think there’s enough depth, in terms of decent depth in the squad.
“I think they need to invest and hopefully they can do that and hopefully next season will be better. There’s always going to be demands because of what’s gone in the club in the past two to three years.
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“So it’s going to be interesting to see what they do over the summer. But, for me, they should stick with Eddie because he’s a top, top manager.”
As it stands, Howe is expected to be in charge of Newcastle next season. Whether that changes between now and the end of this most arduous of campaigns, however, remains to be seen.
While the club might talk about trying to qualify for Europe in at least some capacity during what remains of the season, that goal is surely out of reach based on current form.
Hard choice – but who are you selling if you were in charge? 🤔
Feel free to include anyone not pictured!
A graphic reading: "If we have to make a major sale this summer, who should it be?" Image is split image of Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes all playing for Newcastle United.
Credit: Getty Images/Annabel Lee-Ellis/Javier Borrego/Europa Press/Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
As such, Newcastle’s season cannot really get much better. Still, it can get worse.
Though there’s no real prospect of being dragged into the relegation battle, the mood threatens to turn even more toxic than it already is.
Little about the way in which the team have played for months inspires much confidence, and more defeats – which seem very likely indeed – will only raise more difficult questions for Howe.
For many supporters, the Howe era is already over. For others, he deserves the chance to rebuild.
Both schools of thought have credence to them at this stage. If Newcastle continue to labour, one might be more prevalent than the other.
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