Everything Eddie Howe said during his first press conference as Newcastle United head coach

Welcome to our Eddie Howe press conference live blog.

Stay tuned from 3pm as we bring you live updates from Howe’s media briefing at St James’s Park.

“It feels fantastic to be head coach of Newcastle. I feel absolutely, honoured, privileged - It’s an incredible moment in my life and judging by the reaction i’ve had, it’s been a really positive start. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and the board here for trusting in me in this important job.

“Everything just felt right. The pull of the club is huge. The size of the club, the history of the club - obviously the ambitious plans, the new owners when meeting them, knowing some of the players, the squad - I just thought it was a perfect fit for me. Yes, I’ve had lots of other options but I wanted to take my time and really utilise my time away from the game. I feel really refreshed, energised and ready to start work.”

“We’ve had some really good conversations. I’ve been very, very impressed by their vision of the club. To be honest, I haven’t delved into that too much because it’s all about the short-term through obviously the position of the team. We need to try and address that very quickly and move up the league. The aim is stay in the league and avoid relegation. That’s what I’’ll be working towards. That’s my main focus at the moment.

“I’m absolutely confident we can (survive relegation) but I make no promises on that. All I do is lead the club to the best of my abilities. I’ll give everything to the job, commit 100% every single day to try and bring success to Newcastle for everybody connected with the club. I believe we have the ability within the squad to achieve that aim but it’s going to take a lot of hardwork, sacrifice and suffering in terms of players giving everything they have.”

“The first time I’d been here as manager of Newcastle was 10 minutes ago and it’s an amazing feeling, I can’t describe it. When you walk through the doors and down the tunnel and you imagine previous players, managers - I think it’s incredible. It’s certainly brought a feeling I’ve rarely experienced in football.

“I said I was going to take a year out, internally not publicly. It didn’t matter what job came up, I felt I needed to reset, re-charge and re-educated myself and take myself away from the thought of taking a job and commit to my family for a period of time and commit to coming back better.

“Even in work, that’s always been my focus - improvement. It’s much clearer when you’re out of work and the emotions of what football management can bring. I’ve had some fantastic visits once Covid allowed. I think I sit here now a better manager than I was.”

Miles Starforth is at St James’s Park

“It’s been absolutely incredible (the reaction). I’m not on social media myself so I haven’t fully sampled everything people have said, which is probably a good thing! The level of excitement, respect shown to me, the level of interest in the team, players and the club - it’s a new experience for me but it’s something I will realish and buy into the culture that is here. I will treat the football club as if the club was my own family and do the best for the team and supporters.”

Reports have suggested Liverpool sporting director could join Howe on Tyneside...

Howe said, “I know nothing about Michael Edward’s future. I respect what he’s done for Liverpool, but my main focus is on the team, I’m not focussed on anything else.”

Howe will bring Jason Tindall, Stephen Perches, Simon Weatherstone and Dan Hodges.

Howe also confirmed Graeme Jones’ long-term future: “I’m delighted to work with Graeme. Adding someone to my backroom team was something I looked at during my break and is something I positively wanted to do. Graeme is someone I know and respect and really like. I think it’s going to be a perfect match for us.”