Eddie Howe has earned immense respect on Tyneside for the work he has done since taking over Newcastle United. Guiding the club away from relegation, securing Champions League football, and lifting the first domestic trophy in 70 years has already written his name into the club’s modern history.
Yet, despite everything he has achieved, doubts continue to follow him, especially from some pundits who believe he may eventually face the sack if Newcastle’s ambitions grow faster than his ability to meet them.
One of Howe’s most vocal critics has been talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan. Although he admits he has grown to like Howe and respects the way he conducts himself, Jordan still insists that the Newcastle manager will never lead the club to a Premier League title.
For him, the issue is not Howe’s coaching skill but the landscape of the modern Premier League. He argues that with strict PSR restrictions limiting spending, Howe is managing with his hands tied, while the league is structured in a way that makes another Leicester City-style fairytale almost impossible.
Jordan believes that unless Newcastle find a new way to compete financially, Howe will not be able to take them to the very top, no matter how good he is.
Jordan also questioned whether Howe receives softer treatment from the media compared to Tottenham manager Thomas Frank. With both clubs sitting level on points after 14 games, he suggested that Frank faces far harsher criticism despite similar results.
His argument, however, quickly shifted to context. While Spurs have been battling for trophies and European places for years, Newcastle were stuck in a long and difficult period under Mike Ashley, where ambition was almost non-existent.
Jordan pointed out that Howe arrived when the club was desperate for change and has since delivered far more than anyone expected. From saving them from relegation to pushing them into Europe and lifting silverware, Howe has built momentum that the club hadn’t felt in over a decade.
According to Jordan, that emotional lift is why the Newcastle manager receives more patience than others.
Jordan also rejected the idea that Howe’s nationality plays a role in his treatment. For him, it comes down to the fact that Newcastle supporters now experience hope and excitement again, and Howe has been central to creating that feeling.
The mood on Tyneside is positive, and fans understand the scale of the rebuild. They appreciate the progress, and that goodwill shields Howe from the level of scrutiny that other managers, in less stable environments, might face.
Earlier this month, Howe reflected on reaching his four-year anniversary as Newcastle manager. He admitted that he is both proud and somewhat surprised to have reached this milestone, given how quickly managerial jobs can end in modern football.
He said he hoped he would remain in the role this long, but never assumed anything, especially with how volatile the profession can be. At the same time, he knows longevity does not give him security.
Newcastle still have major work to do in the Premier League, and he understands the responsibility that comes with guiding the club through the challenges of injuries, financial limits, and increased expectations.
Howe’s honesty shows he is aware of the pressure but remains committed to the long-term vision. He knows the club is entering a period where every decision will matter, and he is determined to continue pushing Newcastle forward despite the obstacles.
Whether he eventually leads them to the “Holy Grail” of a Premier League title remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Howe has already transformed Newcastle into a club with ambition, pride, and belief again.
For supporters, his journey is far from over. For critics, the debate about his ceiling will continue. But for now, Eddie Howe remains the man at the heart of Newcastle United’s revival, and his work is far from finished.
