The Magpies' failures are not down to just one man, although the spotlight of scrutiny is firmly on Eddie Howe
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrates with Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali(Image: Getty Images)
View Image
It is massively ironic that in his hour and a half of desperate need Eddie Howe should be confronted by Bournemouth wielding the axe of the executioner.
The club where he gained legendary status both as a player and manager yet which eventually got rid of him as Arsenal did their Invincibles boss Arsene Wenger now once again hold his life in their hands.
Howe needs a victory like never before since he left the south coast and eventually rocked up at Newcastle where he suddenly became the new messiah of English football. The man wanted by everyone is battling to still be wanted by his own fans who adored him little more than a year ago when he won a trophy at Wembley and as a consequence received the Freedom of Newcastle only a few weeks back. How a cloudless blue sky can suddenly become dark and brooding. Gratitude doesn't last a lifetime. Not even a season.
*Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1*HERE– exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, John Gibson's columns plus an ad-lite experience****
It goes with the territory (and the lavish cheque) but the brave and bold turn it round. Like Fergie at Man U early doors, Pep at Man City after a season without a trophy, Joe Harvey after losing a cup-tie at non-league Hereford. So over to you EH. Have you the wisdom, the vision, the strength and desire, to repel the tide? Or does depression, helplessness, loyalty, and the lack of thinking outside the box limit a response?
It is harsh and undoubtedly cruel after what has been achieved but it is the way of the footballing world.
The pressure at Bournemouth is nothing like it is at Newcastle which is what Howe is now finding and Andoni Iraola will if he moves upwards here rather than return to manage his old club Bilbao as expected. His reputation is soaring yet he is only three points above United but is benefitting from a lack of expectation and demand. It was the same with Graham Potter at Swansea and Brighton, Thomas Frank at Brentford. Very different to Chelsea and Spurs.
This is what separates the truly great managers from those of potential once within high profile surrounds.
Should we be hoping that breaking news of Iraola leaving at the end of the season will unsettle his dressing-room and help our fragile cause may I point out that Oliver Glasner going didn't seem to hold back Crystal Palace!
The worry is what the mood will be on the terraces come Saturday kick off. It can hardly be wall-to-wall optimism and blind enthusiasm.
The current contrast is stark - United have lost seven of their last 10 PL games while Bournemouth are unbeaten in 12 league outings.
To be fair the support from the committed on match day has been admirably staunch but significantly United were booed during their after-match walk around following their last home defeat against Sunderland.
It is fine to have a lap of honour after a stirring victory and a photo in the dressing-room afterwards of cheering participants but once the trend is firmly established what happens when things go permanently pear shaped? Stick with it and it all appears so false and embarrassing.
I'm frankly at the end of my tether and I believe many Geordies are standing with me. Enough is enough. Excuses have been tempting through love but no longer. These bunch of players need to collectively give a damned sight more and the management show originality, positivity, and clear direction.
An unerring spotlight burns on the forlorn figure of Eddie Howe which is the way it is with managers, but others ought to also be under severe examination. Football is not a one-way street. Players get off lightly - if they shine it is their genius, if they fade and fall it is because coaches are not getting the best out of them.
However body language betrays footballers and exposes them. It did with Alexander Isak. Who is battling with determination and who is going through the motions before taking to the highway? I want to see Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon busting a gut and sweeping away suspicion. Players can leave without throwing in the towel.
Howe has been accused of being too loyal to players. Certainly he has protected them from public exposure. How about them belatedly giving him something back . . . as well as maintaining their reputation with Geordies and retaining a little bit of self respect.
The failure of a football club is never down to one man.