Alan Shearer picks the best Newcastle manager out of Eddie Howe, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan
Alan Shearer, Newcastle United’s all-time leading goalscorer and a club legend in his own right, has made a bold claim about current manager Eddie Howe, suggesting that the Magpies’ boss deserves a statue at St James’ Park.
Howe etched his name into Newcastle’s history books on Sunday by leading the club to their first major trophy in over five decades, securing a memorable Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool at Wembley.
This triumph not only ended a 54-year trophy drought but also cemented Howe’s status as one of the most significant figures in the club’s modern era. The win has sparked widespread celebration among fans, with many now debating whether Howe should be immortalized with a statue alongside other Newcastle icons.
Shearer, who knows a thing or two about what it means to be a Newcastle legend, has no doubts about Howe’s place in the club’s pantheon of greats.
Speaking on the Sports Agents podcast, Shearer praised Howe for achieving something that even the revered Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan could not accomplish during their tenures at St James’ Park. “Eddie will be able to pick wherever he wants his statue,” Shearer declared.
“I’m pretty sure he’ll get one. Think of the brilliant Sir Bobby Robson, what Kevin Keegan did for Newcastle, and how highly regarded these guys are—not just in Newcastle but, in Sir Bobby’s case, around the world. But Eddie has gone one further than they were able to do. He’s actually delivered that trophy. He’s put himself above those brilliant managers.”
Shearer’s comments highlight the magnitude of Howe’s achievement. While Robson and Keegan are remembered for transforming Newcastle into a competitive force and delivering unforgettable moments, neither managed to bring silverware to Tyneside.
Howe, on the other hand, has broken that curse, delivering a tangible reward for the club’s loyal supporters. The Carabao Cup victory has not only solidified Howe’s legacy but also reignited the passion and belief of a fanbase that has waited decades for such a moment.
The idea of a statue for Howe is not as far-fetched as it might seem. St James’ Park already boasts three statues honoring Newcastle United legends. The first, unveiled in 1991, pays tribute to Jackie Milburn, a three-time FA Cup winner and the club’s all-time leading goalscorer until Shearer surpassed his record in 2006.
The second statue, dedicated to Sir Bobby Robson, was unveiled in 2012, three years after his passing, as a testament to his immense contribution to the club and football as a whole. The most recent addition is Shearer’s own statue, which was initially placed on Barrack Road in 2016 before being relocated next to Robson’s statue in 2022 following the club’s change of ownership.
For Howe to join this exclusive group would be a fitting recognition of his impact on Newcastle United. Since taking charge in November 2021, he has transformed the team’s fortunes, instilling a winning mentality and a style of play that has captivated fans.
His ability to navigate the pressures of managing a club with such a passionate fanbase, while also delivering a long-awaited trophy, has earned him universal acclaim. The Carabao Cup win is not just a triumph for the current squad but a moment of catharsis for a club and its supporters who have endured years of near-misses and heartbreak.
As Newcastle celebrates this historic achievement, the debate over Howe’s statue will likely continue. For Shearer, the answer is clear: Howe’s success has elevated him above even the most celebrated managers in the club’s history.
Whether or not a statue is eventually erected, there is no doubt that Eddie Howe has already secured his place in Newcastle United folklore. His legacy is now intertwined with the club’s resurgence, and his name will forever be associated with the day the Magpies ended their long wait for silverware.
For the fans, the memories of that Wembley victory—and the man who made it possible—will endure for generations.