Andoni Iraola shuts down talk of Newcastle switch in pre-match press conference

Andoni Iraola announced this week that he's leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, which sparked speculative reports that he's heading to Newcastle United to replace Eddie Howe.

As Eddie Howe is under pressure at Newcastle following another poor result against Crystal Palace, and the fact that Iraola's name had appeared on a few lists of potential replacements in the past, it was an open goal for lazy journalists to make the connection, but there was no truth behind the claims.

If nothing else, it created a bit of extra flavour before the two sides meet at St James' Park later on today.

In reality, though, Newcastle has thrown its weight behind Eddie Howe and insists there have been no talks about replacing the 48-year-old as boss.

Andoni Iraola doesn't know his next move

Speaking to the media on Friday, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has addressed his next steps and shut down rumours that he has another job lined up.

“It's good that you asked me. The decision was not about any other club. There has been no other club involved, and it was about continuing here or not continuing here. I don't know what I'm going to do next season.

“I don't know if I'm going to coach a team, a club, I'm going to coach a national team, I'm going to coach in this continent, I'm not going to coach. I have no idea what's going to happen. I don't pretend you believe me because a lot of people will not believe me, but it is what it is - I will say the truth.

“And also, actually, I don't have any rush to know it. I've done, I've taken like a big decision for me. Now in this moment. And now I want to focus on what we have in these 6 games. I think they are massive for us, and, and there is going to be time to think if we have to think on something else.”

That should silence the rumours, for now

That should put the final nail in the coffin of the suggestions he's leaving the Cherries to come to Newcastle. For now, at least.

Someone may take a crowbar to those coffin nails on Saturday if the Magpies fail to pick up points against Iraola's men. There may be calls for Iraola to come to Newcastle if Howe falters again.

We have horrendous pre-match nerves ahead of Saturday's game, and it's not so much about the result, but the reaction to it.

If Newcastle fail to win, the atmosphere is going to turn toxic and social media is going to be an even bigger cesspit than it already is. We need to win for the sake of our sanity.