Why Eddie Howe stepped down - Newcastle bombshell now explained
It's been a shocking start to Thursday on Tyneside, as the bombshell news emerged that Eddie Howe has left his role as Newcastle United manager.
After almost five years in charge, the 48-year-old is stepping down from his position at St James' Park with immediate effect.
Matthias Jaissle has been lined up as Howe's successor, with the German coach already handing in his notice at Al-Hilal now the wheels are in motion.
But why has Howe left at this stage? That's the big question, and Sky Sports' Keith Downie has revealed new details as the dust begins to settle this morning.
Howe set for break after emotional exit
Keith Downie has shed light on Eddie Howe's emotional departure from Newcastle United, explaining how this difficult decision has come about.
The North East reporter reveals that this had been in the pipeline for two weeks, as Howe believes he has taken the club as far as he can.
However, he was eager to stay until a replacement had been lined up; and the club appear to have their man in German boss Jaissle, who is in advanced talks to sign.
Read a summary of Downie's update on X below, which we've broken down into bullet points following this morning's bombshell story.
- The decision had nothing to do with last night’s friendly defeat, it had been in the pipeline for two weeks.
- Howe gave his full commitment at the end of the season, but has changed his mind. He is now set to take a break from football.
- Howe wanted the club to have a replacement lined up before he left. Al-Ahli’s Matthias Jaissle is in advanced talks to take over.
- This is Eddie Howe's decision, the club tried to convince be him to stay but have reluctantly accepted his decision.
- Howe feels he has taken it as far as he can after nearly 5 years at the helm — the second longest serving PL manager.
- No acrimony, the club love him, and think he’s done an amazing job
- I’m told Eddie Howe is very emotional about the decision and the easy decision would be to stay. It’s been a very difficult decision to make. But he’s given it everything.
- The players hadn’t been told this morning. They are on a day off today.
- The squad are set to fly out to Spain for a pre-season training camp tomorrow.
- This is not ideal timing as far as the club are concerned, but they are moving swiftly to try and replace Howe.
Thank you, Eddie
His last full season may have been a struggle, but make no mistake about it; Eddie Howe is a Newcastle United legend who leaves a legacy behind.
A legacy of keeping us up, securing a top four finish, battering PSG on our return to the Champions League, improving players - young and old - inspiring a city, communicating impeccably and ending it all with the moment generations have waited for; a trophy.
Howe's hard work, class and ability to keep on going through some tough moments is the mark of not just a great manager, but a brilliant man that represented us so well for four and a half years.
Thank you, Eddie.
