The ex-Bournemouth boss will take the reins for the first time when the Magpies host Brentford at St James' Park next weekend, and the pressure in on his side to pick up some precious points - and, indeed, their first win of the season - as they look to claw their way out of the relegation zone.
Discussing the club's plans for transfer activity in the January transfer window, Howe tempered expectations of a spending spree, and claimed: “My immediate thought coming here, was the last thing I want to talk about is January.
“I won’t say it’s not in my thoughts at all, there is certain work you have to do and every club prepares for transfer windows and loads of what if situations. But my thought is to get the best out of the players we have here now.
“There are so many games between now and January. When I see all these reports linking Newcastle with this player and that player, it doesn’t do any good for the players who are here reading that.
“We have to be united as a football club from top to bottom, that’s vital to our success. So I would urge people not to speculate too much… although I know it’s part of your job but for me it’s the team in the here and now that is my only focus."
Take a look at today's biggest stories from the Premier League, as the top tier sides gear up for the competition's return next week:
5. Dyche links with Gers job
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has been named among a host of managers who could be in the running to land the vacant Rangers job, following Steven Gerrard's switch to Aston Villa. However, Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to be the clear front-runner for the job. (Times) Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
6. Mourinho eyes Dalot reunion
Roma look set to up their efforts to sign Man Utd outcast Diogo Dalot in January, as Jose Mourinho looks to be reunited with his former signing. He spent last season out on loan with AC Milan. (CalcioMercato) Photo: Carlos Rodrigues
7. Magpies tipped to sign Ake
Newcastle United have been named favourites to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake in January. The ex-Chelsea and Bournemouth man has made just 13 league appearances since joining the club for £43m last year. (Various) Photo: Alex Livesey
8. Magpies backed to bag Barkley
Newcastle United have been tipped to beat Leeds United and Aston Villa to the signing of Ross Barkley in January. The Chelsea midfielder is expected to leave Stamford Bridge in search of regular first team football in the next window. (Various) Photo: Justin Setterfield