Eddie Howe's future as Newcastle United manager is in question, and it was interesting to see him mooted for a potential third spell back at Bournemouth as Andoni Iraola's impending exit was confirmed
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
It's not been an easy campaign for the Toon boss, Eddie Howe(Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
View 2 Images
According to the bookmakers, the moment Andoni Iraola let it be known he was finished at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe was amongst the favourites to replace him.
As Marco Rose, the former RB Leipzig boss, emerges as a clear frontrunner and other candidates - notably Rayo Vallecano's Inigo Perez, potentially following in Iraola's footsteps by going from Vallecas to the south coast - odds shorten, the odds on Howe returning for a third stint at his former club have drifted.
In truth, those odds should have been huge in the first place. Great club Bournemouth, well run, supportive of their managers. But there are NO positives in Howe returning and taking his old job. Which is why it should have been a non-starter from the outset.
Perhaps it was felt Howe may want a way out of Newcastle after reading the briefing from his chief executive David Hopkinson - who basically implied Howe's position is going to be under review this summer.
But rather than eyeing an escape route, Howe should stand tough at St James' Park.
Should it be decided this summer that it's best for all parties to go their separate ways, Howe would likely have a plethora of options.
But success on Tyneside should be the least of Howe's ambitions. At 48, his career trajectory should still be an upward one. Howe should tough it out with Newcastle.
And Newcastle should tough it out with Howe. If that is the right phrase.
Eddie Howe has come under pressure following Newcastle United's poor form this season.
View 2 Images
In his four and a half years at Newcastle, Howe has shown himself to be an elite manager. This is a club that has gone from the lower reaches of the Premier League to have TWO Champions League campaigns and lift a first domestic trophy in 70 years. Howe has been the inspiration for that.
He has been the driving force, he has brilliantly managed a club that is notoriously difficult to manage. And don’t forget, he has had to navigate this season without the services of a striker who had become a talisman for the team.
Ultimately Howe was powerless to stop Alexander Isak joining Liverpool. He may well be powerless to stop Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali or another big-name exit this summer.
But if recruitment can get it right, this could still be a Newcastle squad that can challenge at the top end of the table. Their Champions League run has proven that, and without elite European competition next season, what says they aren't back mixing it in the Premier League's top six next term?
As Newcastle prepare to host Bournemouth for the beginning of Iraola's farewell tour, Howe remains the ideal man for the job.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.