Newcastle United director under fire – Eddie Howe fires back with ‘excellent’ response

Eddie Howe has publicly praised James Bunce, Newcastle United’s performance director, for his work this season despite the club’s recent injury crisis.

The Magpies have been hit hard by setbacks, with Sven Botman and Lewis Hall both ruled out for extended periods following injuries sustained in midweek.

These blows, combined with Anthony Gordon’s red card against Brighton, have disrupted Newcastle’s preparations for the upcoming Carabao Cup final, leaving fans and pundits concerned about the team’s depth and readiness.

The injury woes have sparked criticism on social media, with some supporters questioning Bunce’s impact since his arrival last summer. Bunce, who joined Newcastle as part of sporting director Paul Mitchell’s team, was brought in to address the club’s fitness issues after they lost a record-breaking 1,950 days to injuries during the 2022-23 season—the highest in Premier League history.

Despite the recent setbacks, Howe has firmly defended Bunce, emphasizing the positive changes he has implemented.

Speaking to NewcastleWorld, Howe highlighted Bunce’s role in managing player injuries and praised his contributions. “James has taken on the responsibility for injuries this season. His role is to coordinate everything related to a player’s injury, working closely with the medical team to ensure accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and a smooth recovery process,” Howe explained. “I have to say, he’s been excellent in every respect. He’s made a really positive difference for us. Our injury record over the season has been very strong, and that is in part down to James and the medical team.”

Howe’s comments come at a time when Newcastle’s injury list has grown significantly, testing the squad’s resilience. However, the manager remains optimistic, particularly regarding the progress of Jamaal Lascelles, who has been sidelined for nearly a year with an ACL injury.

Howe provided an encouraging update on the defender’s recovery, stating, “He’s making good progress. He’s back on the grass, though not training with the team yet. I’d say he’s happy with where he’s at currently. He’s super lean and super fit. He’s now entering the final phase of his recovery, and hopefully, we’ll see him back soon.”

The return of Lascelles would provide a much-needed boost to Newcastle’s defensive options, especially with Botman and Hall facing lengthy absences. While the injury situation has undoubtedly complicated Howe’s plans, the manager’s faith in Bunce and the medical team underscores his belief in their ability to manage the crisis effectively.

As Newcastle prepare for a crucial trip to West Ham, the focus will be on overcoming these challenges and maintaining their competitive edge in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup final.

With key players working their way back to fitness and Bunce’s expertise guiding the recovery process, the Magpies will aim to turn the tide and finish the season on a high note.