A small section of the fan base wondered if his time was up, questions were asked about PIF’s patience with recent results, and some felt the 48-year-old could walk away, especially if the opportunity to manage England came up after the World Cup.
However, it’s quickly become clear that Howe has huge internal backing, the full support of his players, and a fan base who, in the main, still believe he is the man to take us forward, with the team responding brilliantly to that Brentford defeat with vital wins at Spurs and Aston Villa.
Speaking to The Chronicle in Baku, Howe has been discussing his future at the club following surprise links to Spurs this week, insisting he remains “in it for the long haul” at Newcastle United.
He accepts there is caveats to that – there has to be a ‘good feeling’ at the club and a team that’s behind him and moving in the right direction – but all the signs suggest there is harmony and unity behind the scenes, both on and off the pitch.
“I’m still in it for the long haul. All of those things haven’t changed for me”, Howe said ahead of tonight’s game.
“There’s got to be a good feeling, there’s got to be the team moving forward, there’s got to be the players playing for us and showing that every week.
“They’re always the most important people, the players, and how they feel and how they play. Me, personally, I’m really happy as long as the team’s playing well.”
After too many turbulent summers featuring high profile exits and change, whether it be Amanada Staveley’s sudden exit, sporting director sagas, CEO changes or Alexander Isak going on strike, we could do with a period of stability.
Howe has to find the answers and continue to evolve, but it’s clear he remains committed to the cause and determined to bring long-term success to Tyneside.