Newcastle United have had a rough start to this campaign, particularly in the Premier League and even more specifically, on the road.
Eddie Howe has yet to preside over an away win in the Premier League this season. The Magpies have managed to win on the road in the Champions League, which makes the lack of wins on the road in the Premier League all the more frustrating.
The team’s lack of form in the Premier League is certainly a concern, but it’s not believed that Eddie Howe’s job is under pressure as things stand.
Indeed, there are a few vocal fans who have been calling for time on his Newcastle career, but the overwhelming majority still back the former Bournemouth boss.
Kieran Maguire points the finger towards PSR as the main cause of Newcastle’s frustrations
Crucially, there’s no pressure from the Newcastle board on Eddie Howe, and he’s expected to be given the time he needs to turn things around, with football finance expert Kieran Maguire pointing the finger at PSR as the main reason Newcastle aren’t flying as high as they perhaps should be. Speaking on the Beyond The Back Four podcast, Maguire says the main frustrations at Newcastle aren’t with the manager, but with the financial constraints that have held them back.
“Newcastle fans had the trauma of the Mike Ashley years, with a limited budget to ensure they made money – which they did, they were profitable under him – and stayed up. Under PIF, two Champions League qualifications and a trophy is a good return.
“There is no pressure from the fans on Howe, but frustration with rules preventing a club like Newcastle doing what Chelsea, PSG, and Man City all did, which is chuck lots of money at player recruitment in years gone by. Now, clubs are operating in the environment of PSR, SCR, anchoring and god knows whatever else.
“Newcastle are wanting to spend but are unable to, which has caused frustration, and that’s reflected in social media comments. There’s no pressure from owners to remove Howe – he’s delivered, but can’t deliver more as the budget is constrained by votes of other clubs holding them back.”
PSR is set for a shakeup next season
Without the constraints of PSR, Newcastle’s transfer windows would look vastly different. Even though Eddie Howe was able to spend big in the summer, Newcastle missed out on several transfer targets because we simply couldn’t compete with the wages being offered by the ‘Big Six’.
If PSR weren’t in play, Newcastle could massively increase their wage structure, which would allow them to bring in the biggest players.
With Squad Cost Rules and Anchoring being voted on this week, it’s likely things will change again next season, but it’s unlikely to open the door much for the clubs behind the Big Six once again.