Mark Douglas gives update on Eddie Howe's job security

Will the axe fall on Eddie Howe? That's all that has been discussed today in Newcastle United circles, and rightly so.

After CEO David Hopkinson's non-committal answer on Eddie Howe's future two weeks ago, shortly after the defeats to Sunderland and Barcelona, the question has been in the back of everyone's mind.

Indeed, many outlets would have you believe that the last seven games of the season (now six) would determine Howe's fate. There are still those who insist that things aren't that drastic, but now, after watching the Magpies throw away another lead to come away from a game empty-handed, the former argument has a lot more weight behind it.

There's a sense that had Newcastle gone to Selhurst Park and dominated and come away with three points, a lot of the fog would have lifted, but instead we were treated to a turgid display and another three points dropped from a winning position.

Uncertainty growing?

So here we are, once again talking about the safety of Eddie Howe's job.

The iPaper's Mark Douglas has relayed what he's been told from inside the walls of St James' Park on where things stand, and it does sound like there's certainly a wobble, but no imminent danger.

‘For the first time in his reign it feels like there is genuine uncertainty about the manager’s future.

’Howe is not under any imminent threat but chief executive David Hopkinson’s “no stance” comment a fortnight ago was not said by accident.’

That one paragraph speaks volumes and really sets the mood perfectly. It adds credence to the notion that Howe potentially only has the remaining games of this season to save his job.

Are we ready to start from scratch?

Douglas says that there is a strong feeling inside the club that it's time for new ideas, and there is an air of frustration around how this season has unfolded.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean that Howe will be for the boot. Although we'd wager that if we don't see a dramatic improvement over the next six games, then the board may feel they have no choice.

We don't think we necessarily have to win the remaining six games, but there will certainly have to be some points picked up, and the performances have to show improvement; otherwise, not even we will be able to make the case for Howe to stick around, unfortunately.

The thing is, though, what is the plan beyond sacking Howe? Is it worth ripping up everything he's done to start again? We're already looking at a big squad overhaul in the summer, but even what's planned won't be as drastic as it would be if they changed manager too.

We'd essentially be starting from a similar position as Howe was when he took over, a squad full of someone else's players that all need to be reconditioned while the new manager tries to bring in their own players over several windows.