'It's not good' - Eddie Howe ‘fear’ as Newcastle United press pack under attack
Alan Pardew knows the feeling of being under the pump as Newcastle United manager.
Alan Pardew fears Eddie Howe will lose his job at Newcastle United while attacking the local press pack.
With just four games remaining, the Magpies are yet to secure their Premier League status for next season. While relegation remains unlikely, that fact is a damning reflection of how Newcastle have fallen in 2025-26.
Understandably, noise and debate has emerged in recent weeks regarding the manager’s position. European qualification was a top priority for Newcastle at the start of the season.
As it stands, the Toon hierarchy remain firmly behind Howe, with an awareness of the mitigating factors behind the campaign. The top brass - including PIF officials - are set to meet on Tyneside later this week.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Alan Pardew defends Eddie Howe
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Newcastle manager Pardew suggested that the North East press pack is volatile and could turn easily. He also predicted that Howe might need to win three of the four remaining games to keep his job.
“It's not good at Newcastle,” Pardew said. “And on the back of the season they're having, I mean… they're currently 14th. With four defeats, it's a tough run for him. And as I said to you before, I know the media pack up there. They will lean to the fans. Wherever the fans are leaning, and I think they're leaning to ‘We need a change’, that's where the media will go.
“They won't even give a counterargument. They'll talk about Eddie being brilliant, etc (and then) be like, ‘Oh, it’s time to go. So he's got that to park with as well. I fear for him but, personally, I hope he stays. I think he's done a terrific job and I think he's a great manager. What has he got left? Four games left, I think he's got to win three of them (to keep his job).”
Eddie Howe committed to Newcastle United
Howe told reported earlier this month that he is fully committed to the Magpies. He said: "For me, nothing has changed. I'm 100 per cent committed to the job. That commitment has never wavered from my side.
"I've been working during the break to come back a stronger team. In this day and age, it's difficult to look too far into the long term. What do I need? I need support. Good working relationships with the people around me.
“A feeling of being able to express myself in the best way possible so you see the best version of myself. If I feel that and the club feels that, then they're getting the best manager they can from myself.
“Obviously, if that's not working for whatever reason, on both sides, then it's best for the football club... which is the most important thing in all of this, that is Newcastle United, not me or anybody else, it's Newcastle. I will always reflect that in my decision-making. I will put the club before anybody."
Your next Newcastle United read: Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson namechecked alongside Ryan Reynolds after most dramatic promotion ever