David Ornstein: Newcastle’s manager search could limited by financial restrictions

Newcastle United are no strangers to the problems of the modern game, with the likes of Financial Fair Play, Profit and Sustainability Rules and the upcoming Squad Cost Ratio rules.

The financial restrictions imposed by the geniuses who run the game have caused more problems than they've solved and have forced Newcastle (and many other clubs) to make some devastating decisions.

They've even seen a number of clubs hit with points deductions for breaching rules, often due to circumstances out of their control. And yet, the golden boys of the Big Six seem to get away with doing whatever they want. We're all still waiting to see what's happening with the 115 charges facing Manchester City, while Newcastle get punished with harsher restrictions for getting into UEFA-run competitions.

Despite making a huge sale last summer, Newcastle are still going to have to sell to buy ahead of next season. It doesn't make sense.

PSR issues will affect the hunt for a new manager

The financial implications don't just affect the player trading side either, as The Athletic's David Ornstein has pointed out in a live Q&A on Thursday, if Newcastle were to bow down to fan pressure and sack Eddie Howe, they could have a serious effect on who they could bring in as a replacement.

In answering who would be in contention to replace Howe, Ornstein urged caution as the inability to spend big is likely to put off big names.

"If that was to happen - and it’s a big if because at present there is no suggestion of Howe leaving - there would be no shortage of high-calibre candidates; it’s a very attractive position. 

"However, I would temper expectations around some of the big names that have been linked to the role. The financial issues Newcastle are experiencing might not be particularly attractive to coaches who want to join a side who can spend lavishly on new signings. As we’re seeing, that is simply not possible at St James’s Park because of the club’s PSR situation. 

"Granted the Premier League is moving to the new SCR system, similar to that already adopted by Uefa, but all indications are that Newcastle will continue to be restricted in the market. Even if they sell players for massive money, word is they probably won’t be able to reinvest everything they make in fresh recruits and may instead have to make do with a more modest budget. 

"This is one of numerous factors that I’m sure will be in the mind of potential candidates, should Howe depart. Others include the project and direction of the club, given the question mark over Newcastle’s progress and plans on and off the pitch."

Eddie Howe's sacking will affect PSR/SCR

That's not to mention the fact that Eddie Howe would be entitled to a considerable payout if he were let go, which the PIF may not be too keen to cough up, especially as they are also included in SCR calculations.

There's a lot to consider before the club starts getting trigger-happy with replacing managers, so it's good to see that they're taking their time and considering everything before making moves.

We still suspect that Howe's job isn't as safe as it was before David Hopkinson came in. There's always that feeling that a new man has new ideas, but we'd like to think he's taking everything into account, too.