Eddie Howe directly responds to loud Newcastle United terrace chants
Newcastle United supporters inside St James’ Park gave a notable show of support to under-fire manager Eddie Howe.
Eddie Howe has thanked Newcastle United supporters for sticking by the team during the five-game losing run.
And in a telling admission to reporters, the Toon boss admitted to enduring a sleepless night before the Magpies beat Brighton. With the Public Investment Fund in town, the pressure was on Newcastle to deliver three points.
As the team led 2-0, a notably louder chorus of “Eddie Howe’s black and white army” echoed from all four corners of the ground. This was a tangible show of support that differentiated from the polarising online landscape.
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The visitors equalised moments later - an irony that was perhaps not lost on those chanting for the under-fire manager. As it happened, Newcastle dug deep and rode their luck as the Seagulls pressed for an equaliser.
Harvey Barnes sealed the game in stoppage time to ease the pressure levels around St James’ Park. Speaking post-match, Howe paid tribute to those who sang his name on 60 minutes to spur the team on.
“It is massive,” Howe said. “I can't thank everyone (enough) that sang my name. And even those that didn't, I can't thank them enough because we've not done well enough in recent weeks.
“We're the first to hold our hands up and say that. But for the crowd to still believe in us, stay loyal to us, says more about them than anything else. And I've always said that we are trying. We're committed.
“There's no part of us that's not trying to do everything we can to turn it around. I hope they see that. And I'm just delighted for everyone today.”
Eddie Howe on sleepless nights
Howe semi-joked to reporters that he suffered a sleepless night before Newcastle faced Brighton. PIF were in attendance just days after an era-defining summit at Matfen Hall to dissect the underwhelming campaign.
“I want to do a good job for people,” Howe added. “I don't want to disappoint people. I don't want to let the supporters down. I don't want to let the players down. I certainly don't want to let the owners down.
“All those things you're carrying with yourself if you're not delivering enough success. I'm just really pleased that, for all those people that I mentioned, we were able to win the game today. It's funny because I didn't get eight hours of sleep last night.
“I'll level with you. There was a moment where I woke up and I thought, ‘Oh dear, what day is it?’ Which is really unusual for me. I'm a very, very good sleeper. But there was obviously an anxiety for me last night where I'm going into today's game just wanting the team to perform. I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight. Certainly with the emotions of that game, I've got no doubt that I will.”
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