Eddie Howe finds himself under growing scrutiny after another disappointing Premier League defeat saw Newcastle United beaten 3-1 by Brentford in London.
The loss continues a worrying trend for the Magpies, who have yet to win an away match this season and now sit 14th in the table. Despite his strong track record and the progress he has brought to the club, pressure is mounting as results continue to dip.
Newcastle’s ambitious owners, backed by the Public Investment Fund, are known for their high standards, and patience in football rarely lasts forever. While Howe still has time to turn things around, discussions about potential replacements have already begun among pundits and fans alike. If the current run of poor form continues, several intriguing managerial options could be considered to take charge at St. James’ Park.
One name that stands out is Andoni Iraola, the current Bournemouth manager who has transformed the Cherries since his arrival in 2023. When he first took over, Bournemouth were seen as relegation candidates, but under his leadership, they evolved into one of the most organized and dynamic teams in the Premier League.
His sides are known for their energy, intensity, and pressing style a brand of football that would likely resonate with Newcastle supporters who crave aggression and excitement. Iraola’s Bournemouth finished 12th and then 9th in consecutive seasons, and his tactical sharpness has been widely praised.
This season, his team has made a flying start and even climbed as high as second in the league at one stage. At 43, Iraola represents a modern, forward-thinking approach that could inject fresh ideas into Newcastle’s setup while aligning perfectly with their European ambitions.
Another potential candidate who could appeal to Newcastle’s hierarchy is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner. The Austrian coach has done a remarkable job at Selhurst Park since taking charge, guiding Palace to an unexpected FA Cup triumph last season and securing a spot in the UEFA Conference League.
What makes Glasner particularly impressive is his ability to keep his team competitive despite losing key players along the way. His tactical adaptability and calm presence have earned him respect across the league.
With stronger financial backing and the opportunity to manage a squad filled with international talent, Glasner could easily replicate and even surpass his Palace success in the North East.
His pragmatic yet attacking style of play would complement Newcastle’s current squad, and his experience in European football adds another appealing dimension.
If Newcastle were to look for an experienced manager without the need to pay hefty compensation, Erik ten Hag could emerge as a viable option.
The Dutchman, who was recently dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen after a brief spell in Germany, remains one of Europe’s most respected coaches. During his tenure at Manchester United, Ten Hag delivered two trophies the Carabao Cup and FA Cup while also stabilizing a club in chaos.
His previous success with Ajax, where he built one of the most exciting teams in Europe and reached the Champions League semifinals, highlights his ability to develop young players and implement a defined tactical system.
For Newcastle, a coach like Ten Hag would bring discipline, structure, and a winning mentality. He is well-versed in handling high expectations and could quickly establish a culture of consistency and competitiveness at St. James’ Park.
Another option with global appeal could be Xavi Hernández, the former Barcelona manager. Xavi’s managerial career at the Camp Nou had its highs and lows he secured a La Liga title but struggled to make significant progress in Europe.
Still, his understanding of possession-based football and his experience working under immense pressure make him a compelling candidate. Xavi is a name that commands respect worldwide, and his appointment would instantly boost Newcastle’s international profile.
With the financial support of PIF and access to a talented squad, he could implement his vision of fast, attacking football and potentially build a side capable of challenging both domestically and in Europe.
While each of these managers offers something different from Iraola’s intensity and Glasner’s balance to Ten Hag’s structure and Xavi’s technical philosophy Newcastle’s leadership will be cautious about making a change too quickly.
Eddie Howe has achieved incredible milestones with the club, guiding them from mid-table obscurity to Champions League football and ending their long wait for silverware. However, the Premier League is unforgiving, and continued poor form could force the owners’ hand.
For now, Howe retains the trust of the board and much of the fanbase. But should results fail to improve in the coming weeks, the club’s hierarchy will not hesitate to explore new leadership.
Each potential successor brings a distinct identity and vision — and with Newcastle’s ambitions growing, whoever takes charge next will be expected to deliver both immediate results and long-term success.
