Newcastle ‘Admire’ Two Premier League Managers if Howe Leaves
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been thrust into the spotlight amidst speculations linking him with the England managerial position. Following Gareth Southgate’s departure after an eight-year tenure, the Football Association (FA) is actively seeking a suitable replacement, and Howe has emerged as a strong candidate. However, Newcastle’s Saudi owners have made it clear that they would not obstruct Howe’s move if the FA offers him the job.
Eddie Howe’s managerial journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After retiring early from playing, Howe transformed Bournemouth from the brink of relegation to the National League to a stable Premier League side.
His success at Bournemouth and subsequent achievements at Newcastle have made him one of England’s most respected modern-era coaches. This impressive track record has inevitably led to rumors linking him to the prestigious England job.
Despite their desire to retain Howe, Newcastle United’s management is prepared to respect his decision if he chooses to pursue the England role. Journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, highlighted Newcastle’s stance: “Newcastle want to keep Eddie Howe but that doesn’t mean they will block him from speaking to the FA should an interview be offered.”
Jacobs further explained that Newcastle sees Howe as a part of their long-term plans but acknowledges the rarity of the England managerial vacancy, implying a respectful approach towards Howe’s potential career move.
While Newcastle is not actively planning for Howe’s departure, the club’s ownership has a list of admired coaches who could potentially fill the role. Among these are Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, both of whom have caught the attention of Newcastle’s leadership team
. Jacobs elaborated on this: “Newcastle’s leadership team admires Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna. They have also considered the likes of Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino in the past.”
Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna have been highly regarded for their managerial prowess. Frank has been instrumental in establishing Brentford as a competitive Premier League club, and his achievements have drawn interest from top-tier clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United.
| Managerial Statistical Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stat | Howe | Southgate | Frank | McKenna |
| Matched Managed | 668 | 286 | 396 | 131 |
| Wins | 292 | 138 | 175 | 75 |
| Draws | 136 | 64 | 95 | 36 |
| Lossess | 240 | 84 | 126 | 20 |
| Win Percentage | 43.7% | 48.3% | 44.2% | 57.25% |
| Honours | EFL Championship 2014/15 | Toulon Tournament 2016 | Syrenka Cup 2010 | N/A |
Similarly, McKenna’s success with Ipswich Town, leading them to promotion, has made him a notable figure in managerial circles. Newcastle’s interest in these coaches indicates their strategic foresight in succession planning, ensuring the club’s continued progress irrespective of managerial changes.
As the FA embarks on its thorough search for Southgate’s successor, Eddie Howe remains a prominent name in the mix. However, the process is in its early stages, and no frontrunner has been identified yet. Newcastle, while hopeful of retaining Howe, is preparing for all possibilities. The club’s strategic approach, coupled with its admiration for top-tier coaches, showcases a robust plan for the future.
In conclusion, Eddie Howe’s potential move to the England managerial role is a significant development for both him and Newcastle United. The club’s willingness to respect Howe’s ambitions, combined with their strategic succession planning, highlights a balanced approach to ensuring stability and progress. As the new Premier League season approaches, all eyes will be on Newcastle’s next moves and Howe’s career trajectory.
