The future of Eddie Howe at Newcastle is at a crossroads, with questions growing over whether a change in manager is needed.
Eddie Howe has changed Newcastle United forever. That much is not up for debate.
The question now being asked, more quietly in some places and more loudly in others, is whether that journey might be up.
It is a rather uncomfortable debate for Newcastle fans, who are full of gratitude for their manager, but there’s also frustration and the sense that the team are caught between what they are and what they are trying to become.
Is it time for Newcastle to move on from Eddie Howe?
There remains deep affection for Howe among large sections of the fanbase.
He delivered a first major trophy in generations, brought Champions League nights to St James’ Park, and curated a clear identity after years of turbulence.
For many supporters, that bank of credit will never run out.
At the same time, there is a growing feeling that Newcastle’s problems this season are no longer isolated or down to bad luck alone.
Performances have become predictable. Results have followed suit.
For some fans, that creates an uncomfortable truth: you can admire what a manager has done while questioning whether he is still the right one for what comes next.
Why Newcastle fans are feeling frustrated this season
Newcastle’s campaign has been a bit contradictory.
They press more than almost anyone in the Premier League, yet that pressure rarely turns into goals. They can go toe-to-toe with elite European sides one week, then struggle badly against teams at the bottom of the table the next.
We went into more detail about what’s really gone wrong for them and whether Newcastle are in crisis a couple of months ago.
Injuries have played a part, sure, but they don’t explain everything. The same issues have appeared repeatedly: slow build-up, difficulty breaking down compact blocks, and defensive shapes that opponents now seem comfortable exploiting.
When…
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