Eddie Howe dropped major Newcastle United departure hint that no one picked up on - until now
Eddie Howe Newcastle United exit: The Magpies head coach dropped some major hints of what was to come.
News of Eddie Howe’s planned departure from Newcastle United came as something of a surprise to supporters on Thursday morning - but there were signs.
The Magpies head coach spoke after the 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat at Bristol City, looking ahead to the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.
When asked about how he’s feeling heading into the new season, Howe quickly hinted that there could be some changes to come.
“There's been a lot of change at the football club and potentially more to come,” Howe said.
The quote was deliberately ambiguous given the situation surrounding captain Bruno Guimaraes and his transfer links to Arsenal, but in hindsight, Howe was most likely referencing himself given he went on to admit he was unsure how the Guimaraes saga would play out.
“There's always reason to be optimistic and that's very much my default setting. I believe that great things are possible every season. I always go in with a real buzz of what's ahead. I see no reason to be any different this year.
“Every day that I'm Newcastle manager is a great day for me. I absolutely love the football club, and that's never going to change.”
Again, in the context of recent news, Howe’s quotes from Wednesday evening are framed somewhat differently compared to how they were initially received and interpreted.
Last season, Howe spoke about his potential departure from the football club and what would have to happen to trigger it.
“Of course I just want to serve the club,” he said. “I just want to do what's right for the football club and that's always been my aim. If that's me leaving to help the club, then of course that's something I'll do. I've got no issue doing that, it's not about me.
“So I'd never put myself before the club if I didn't think I was the correct man to take the team forward and I could give the players what they need, then I would step aside and let someone else do it.”
It would appear Howe has now made that decision to step aside from his duties. According to The Athletic, Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle has been lined up as a potential replacement.