Newcastle United’s ownership remains fully behind Eddie Howe despite growing pressure after suffering another Premier League defeat before the international break, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.
“The immediate message emerging from the top of the club after the weekend did not hint at panic,” Waugh wrote. “Howe is very much being backed to find solutions, even if there is an acceptance that change and improvement are required in the Premier League.
“There is absolutely no appetite for a change of head coach, given what Howe has already achieved during his four years in charge and the potential for growth many within Newcastle still feel he has.”
The Magpies’ board considers recent cup runs — including last year’s title — and the Champions League results encouraging enough to keep trusting Howe.
“Newcastle are also into a fourth successive Carabao Cup quarter-final, a competition they are defending champions in, and have won three straight Champions League matches,” Waugh wrote.
However, Waugh clarified that “the on-field issues are not being ignored at boardroom level.” Saudi Arabia’s PIF “do not expect to be closer to the bottom three than the top five after 11 rounds of the Premier League,” and Waugh warned that “Newcastle’s top-flight struggles cannot continue indefinitely.”
Still, Waugh noted there is understanding for Howe’s situation, citing Alexander Isak’s behavior and unexpected summer exit and the “after-effects” of such a move as reasons to remain patient.
Waugh concluded that “the hope and expectation is that Howe will remain on Tyneside for the long term, though results need to pick up in the league — and the head coach recognises that.”