Eddie Howe recently opened up about the Newcastle United legends he wishes he had the chance to coach, offering fans a fascinating glimpse into the players from the club’s rich history who have left a lasting impression on him.
The conversation took place during an interview with Andy Kerr, a beIN Sports presenter and passionate Newcastle United supporter, who put the Magpies’ boss on the spot with a tricky question that got Howe thinking deeply.
Kerr asked the Newcastle manager which past player he would bring into his current team if given the opportunity. Rather than basing his answer on current squad needs, Howe made it clear that his choices were guided purely by admiration for the players and their contributions to the club.
With a smile, he admitted it was a tough task to narrow it down, given Newcastle’s long list of icons, but he eventually picked five names that reflected a blend of quality, personality, and connection.
Unsurprisingly, the first name that came to mind was Alan Shearer. For Howe, there was no way to overlook the club’s all-time top scorer and one of English football’s greatest ever forwards.
“The natural one is to go to Shearer,” Howe said. “You look at the goals he scored — it’s unbelievable. His record speaks for itself. I think he would score goals in this team too. He’s a natural one.”
Shearer, who netted 206 goals for Newcastle, remains the ultimate symbol of loyalty and consistency, and it’s easy to see why Howe would want a player of his caliber leading the line.
Next, Howe turned his attention to one of Newcastle’s greatest ever goalkeepers Shay Given. The Irish shot-stopper made more than 450 appearances for the club and was a fan favorite for over a decade.
“Knowing Shay and his personality, what a guy,” Howe said warmly. “I would have loved to have coached and managed him.” Given was renowned for his professionalism, humility, and incredible reflexes, qualities that Howe clearly values in a player.
Then came a more personal choice Shola Ameobi. While perhaps not as decorated as Shearer or Given, Shola’s relationship with the club and his infectious personality clearly left a mark on Howe. “I can’t forget Shola,” he said.
“These are people I’ve got relationships with. What a guy unbelievable person. I know him more as a person than as a player, but I’ve played with him in an end-of-season game, and he did alright, even though his legs are going a bit! But he scored big goals in big games for the club, and I’d have loved to coach him.”
At this point, Kerr encouraged Howe to finish off his fantasy selection by turning it into a five-a-side team. The Newcastle manager happily obliged, adding two more names to complete his lineup.
“We need a bit of grit in midfield, don’t we?” he joked. “So let’s go for Lee Clark. He’ll win the ball back for us and let the creative players do their thing.” Clark, a product of Newcastle’s youth system and a key figure in the 1990s, was known for his energy, determination, and deep understanding of what it meant to wear the black-and-white shirt.
To round off his five-a-side dream team, Howe couldn’t resist adding a touch of flair. “Let’s get a winger in there let’s go for David Ginola,” he said. “That’s a really good balance, although we haven’t got a defender… we’re in trouble, aren’t we?”
The Frenchman, who dazzled fans in the mid-1990s with his skill and elegance, brought creativity and excitement to St James’ Park, and his inclusion completed a lineup that perfectly represented Newcastle’s blend of hard work, personality, and artistry over the years.
Howe’s selections reflect more than just talent they reveal the values he admires in players. Shearer’s relentless consistency, Given’s professionalism, Shola’s loyalty, Clark’s tenacity, and Ginola’s creativity each represent traits that align perfectly with the culture Howe has built at the club.
It’s a balance of dedication, character, and flair, mirroring the type of team he has shaped in the modern era.
For fans, Howe’s picks stirred nostalgia and pride. Each name carries memories of special moments and unforgettable matches at St James’ Park. And while the current Newcastle side under Howe continues to create its own history, his respect for those who paved the way before is evident.
His dream five may never play under his management, but his admiration for their impact on Newcastle United’s legacy is clear a perfect nod to the past as the club moves confidently toward an ambitious future.
