We asked about Newcastle United writers if Eddie Howe will still be in charge next season.
After throwing away a 1-0 lead to lose the Tyne-Wear derby to Sunderland last time out, the Magpies only went and did it again, this time away at Crystal Palace.
But Newcastle’s problems go well beyond the last two matches. Sitting 14th in the Premier League table with only six games left to play tells you all you need to know.
Defeat at home to AFC Bournemouth this weekend would surely kill any slim hopes of still qualifying for Europe and put Howe’s side well on course for a mid-table finish, hardly what you come to expect four-and-a-half years post-takeover.
As a result, serious questions are beginning to be asked of a manager who, only 12 months ago, guided the club to its first major trophy since 1969.
As the debate continues around Howe’s future, we asked our Newcastle United writers whether they think Howe will still be in charge next season.
Jordan Cronin
I think this is as much about what Eddie Howe wants, rather than it being a club decision to stick or twist.
Howe isn’t a man for social media but by the reaction of the crowd post-Sunderland and Crystal Palace, he’ll know fine well that supporters, for the first time, are questioning his future.
David Hopkinson spoke to us a fortnight or so ago, and while his response wasn’t the ‘Howe has seven games to save his job’ some thought, it’s pretty clear that what happens between now and the end of May does matter.
It matters because of the feeling it generates. If results/ performances don’t improve in the next six matches, then that fan discontent will linger.
Can he restore faith in those who have lost it? Can he stomach what is increasingly likely to be a summer rebuild? Those are the questions Howe must ask himself and the answer to both is a yes, then I think he’ll continue.
Charlie Bennett
Anyone who has followed me on social media will know I have been a Howe fanboy. However, I have always been one to call a spade a spade - and the manager has been miles off the pace this season.
He was dealt a poor hand. There were certainly mitigating factors going into the season. But to lose both derbies to a newly promoted Sunderland? There can be no excuses. Blowing 25 points from winning positions highlights just how meek and submissive Newcastle have become.
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Calls for his sacking previously lived on the fringes. Not anymore. That debate has gone mainstream - and it is no longer unreasonable. If the Magpies pull the trigger, the next appointment must be a heavyweight - someone proven at juggling multiple fronts and demanding more from a plateauing squad.
There are two real questions here. Do you believe Howe’s previous efforts warrant enough credit to be given another season? On that front, it is a resounding yes from me.
But when mentally jostling about whether Howe is ruthless enough to conduct open-heart surgery on the squad, my heart says yes but, deep down, the head knows the truth. It will be sad - but not unsurprising - if Newcastle part ways this summer.
Dominic Scurr
Eddie Howe is and will always be a club legend. But if you’re coming here wanting a simplistic ‘Howe in’ or ‘Howe out’, you’re in the wrong place.
Howe knows as well as anyone: Newcastle United comes first - always. Not the man, not the tired ‘in/out’ narrative.
This season’s mid-table slog, the Sunderland derby double and 48 goals conceded in 2026 alone have exposed tactical flatlining and summer recruitment shortfalls that simply cannot be ignored - no matter how many times you’re told ‘remember where we were’.
The future is what matters and Howe could leave Newcastle tomorrow, his legacy intact. Or stay and evolve into the sharper, more adaptable, more ruthless manager the ‘Project 2030’ NUFC now demands. The only verdict that matters is whether he can.
For Newcastle’s sake, not Howe’s, we need to find this out sooner rather than later - before loyalty turns to regret on both sides.
Liam Kennedy
Everything has a shelf life. All things come to an end, whether bad or good. And what isn't in doubt is that Eddie Howe has been an outstanding manager for Newcastle United. But has his impact on the team and his players faded?
I think Sunday was the biggest hint that it has. Weeks to prepare, only for the same worrying trends to continue. It leaves me wondering whether he will be head coach next season.
Does he have the stomach for a monumental and uncomfortable rebuild this summer? I'm genuinely not sure. Something about these next six games feels make or break.
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