Why I am backing Eddie Howe as Newcastle United manager for 2026-27 campaign
Eddie Howe is not without sin - but he should be given the chance to reignite the Newcastle United project.
Newcastle United fans could be forgiven for entering the 2026-27 campaign with a sense of trepidation.
Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali are gone. Bruno Guimaraes could follow. Four prospects have arrived to spearhead a youth-led rebuild. Financial governance still dictates every decision, leaving supporters questioning where the Saudi-backed project is heading.
Yet amid the uncertainty, Eddie Howe remains Newcastle's greatest source of stability in a never-ending St James’ Park soap opera. Last season was not good enough. The Toon boss admitted he had not been up to the task to a room of reporters in February.
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.
Tactical mishaps were regular. This was most evident in the 3-2 defeat to Everton, when Newcastle fielded Anthony Gordon up front, Nick Woltemade in midfield and Joelinton as a left-winger.
His mishandling of Woltemade, in particular, attracted deserved criticism. The German thrived as a No.9 before a failed switch into midfield blunted his confidence.
The derby defeats were the ultimate test of head over heart. After Brian Brobbey’s painful stoppage-time winner, every instinct screamed that Howe had taken Newcastle as far as he could. Logic suggested otherwise.
In truth, Newcastle's trajectory changed the moment Alexander Isak downed tools last summer. Any hope of replicating Manchester City's or Chelsea's meteoric rise disappeared with him. Imagine Sergio Aguero being sold three years into his decade-long stay at the Etihad?
Howe built the nucleus of an attack-minded Toon outfit on the up. Isak, Gordon, Guimaraes and Tonali formed the backbone of that side, supplemented by exciting talents like Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
Then the financial reality happened. Newcastle were unable to buy a notable first-team player for three consecutive windows. PSR clipped the Magpies’ wings - but the club must also shoulder some blame.
While those aforementioned stars excelled - hence the exodus to bigger clubs - Howe had many on the books punching above their weight. Despite a slump last season, Newcastle still sit fifth in the cumulative Premier League table since his appointment.
That is not the record of a manager holding Newcastle back. It is the record of one who has dragged them further than circumstances should have allowed.
What he needed was for the off-field ambition to match the progress being delivered on it. A stadium update. A new training ground. These are the grinding matters that led to the high-profile departees losing patience.
Newcastle have now changed tack, embarking on a fresh, youthful venture for 2026-27. Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure and Aladji Bamba - with more signings expected - are several years from reaching their peak.
This should buy the Toon hierarchy time to upscale every aspect of the club in tandem with the first-team squad. Newcastle ran before they could walk in Howe’s first three years. Last season was an inevitable correction.
The shot-callers must now play their part. Less talk of becoming the world's biggest club by 2030. Supporters need to see sustainable progress, not grand promises.
The Magpies require someone willing to roll up his sleeves, improve young players, weather difficult moments and lay foundations for the next chapter. Howe's greatest strength has always been on the training ground - developing talent and building teams. Newcastle do not need another revolutionary - they need a workhorse.
Your next Newcastle United read: 'Proud' - Teenager announces Newcastle United arrival & spotted with inspirational midfielder