Alan Shearer's had his say on Eddie Howe's future at Newcastle United and where the club go next off the back of last weekend's damaging Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace which leaves them 14th
Alan Shearer and (inset) Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Alan Shearer and (inset) Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United need to do a big review ahead of the summer transfer window amid ongoing speculation about Eddie Howe's future at the club. The Magpies' head coach has come under fire following the Toon's terrible run of form this season.
Newcastle were hopeful of returning to the Champions League this season, after reaching the last 16, where they were knocked out by Barcelona. However, their poor form currently has them in 14th place, 10 points adrift of Liverpool in fifth.
The Magpies will need a minor miracle to get into Europe's elite competition with Shearer giving a scathing review of Newcastle's recent form.
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"Champions League hopes have completely gone for Newcastle now after losing to Palace last weekend," Shearer told Betfair. "I think Eddie Howe has got no chance of getting in any European competition.
"It was really disappointing because they had time off and should have been hurt after the derby defeat and should have come back angry. Newcastle get the goal and then all of a sudden, they sat back and invited pressure on and then Palace bring their three big-hitters on and you could just see what was going to happen.
"The disappointing thing is that we've gone from challenging for Champions League positions. I mean, I think we were 6th, maybe, in January. They were two points off Liverpool in February, I think so the difference from then to now is incredible and yeah, they've been miles off it Newcastle have.
"I don't see a big improvement or how they can do it. They just somehow have got to get through to the end of the season, somehow regroup, evaluate and look at what's gone wrong this season, and then try and fix it in the summer.
Alan Shearer(Image: Getty Images)
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"There has to be a big review to see what happens in the summer, in terms of what they can spend, who they want to sell, who they want to bring in. I guess whether Eddie wants to do that, or he feels he has enough energy to want to go again, he's the only one that can answer that.
"With what's happened in recent seasons, we got to a point where we thought, here we go, they're going to kick on. I know because of PSR, it's always difficult for the teams that want to challenge.
"In fact, you can challenge for a couple of years, and then, as we've seen with Aston Villa and as we've seen with Newcastle, you get to a certain point, and then the system is designed for you not being able to sustain a long challenge in the top five or six.
"That's the way the system is, unfortunately. I don't agree with it. Newcastle have to get back to being competitive, because for large parts of this season, they haven't been and to lose both derby games in the way they did, it's been a poor season.
"Clearly players will want to leave, and they cannot be left in the same situation as they were last season with the Isak situation. Fresh faces are definitely needed to bring some more energy and momentum into the club, and how many, we'll have to wait and see, but I guess there'll be people to leave, and ones that'll want to come in, and also see what's available in terms of finances.
"We don't really know that yet, so there's so many questions to be asked, and we won't know the outcome of where Newcastle will be until they’re able to answer those questions."
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Shearer also feels that Newcastle's end to the season will define whether or not Howe is still at St. James' Park next season.
He said: "I think in terms of Eddie, I guess, because of what he's achieved at Newcastle, he's been amazing and what he's done for Newcastle has been amazing, and this season is the first time anyone's ever questioned him.
"I do think there is a lot that depends on how Newcastle finishes the season because if they carry on the way they are and limp over the finishing line, then the noise will get louder.
"I guess Eddie will have to decide what he wants to do, and I think that would be the right thing."