Howe reveals transfer frustrations, Paul Mitchell chaos & hints at busy few weeks

Eddie Howe has spoken out for the first time since returning for pre-season training with Newcastle United.

The squad and staff are currently in Austria, building up to Saturday's trip to Celtic, and the boss has been discussing a tough start to the summer, referencing Paul Mitchell's exit and the work left behind for others to handle, given the importance of that sporting director position.

Howe also admitted that we have done a "lot of work" for "very little incoming action" so far, insisting that we still have a lots do over the coming weeks - hinting at a busy month ahead in the market as we push to bring in another forward, a centre-back and goalkeeper at the very minimum.

He's clearly delighted to have Anthony Elanga, who arrived in a £55m move from Forest last Friday, praising how our new winger has trained since linking up with the squad.

Asked if he's been able to switch off over the break, the boss said:

"It was a difficult summer (to switch off) with everything going on behind the scenes."

"Obviously losing Paul (Mitchell) and all of the dynamics changing within (the club). The Sporting Director role is such a pivotal role at the club, so there was a lot (of work) to pick up.

 

"There has been a lot of work, transfer wise, for very little incoming action, although we are delighted to get Anthony Elanga in, who has done very well in training so far.

 

"But a lot more work (is needed) behind the scenes in preparation for the new season."