There aren’t too many Premier League managers who will go for glory on THREE front in coming months despite seeing their squad weakened in the January transfer window. But that is exactly what Eddie Howe faces as Newcastle United gear up for what could be an exciting end to the 2024-25 season.
You won’t hear the Magpies boss complain either. Sure, he’s frustrated about the restrictions PSR have put on the club’s ability to spend in recent transfer windows, but he’s been the key spokesman in what has been very much a united front from the club’s hierarchy. The United head coach rarely gets carried away by positive results, nor does he get too down when it goes wrong.
His reaction to Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City was unusual in that he pulled few punches in a damning assessment of the performance – although few would argue it wasn’t fully deserved. Howe has won admirers across football, not only for his brand of attacking, high-press football, but the way he develops players on the training ground.
Witness the transformation of Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Jacob Murphy to name but three, never mind the rapid progession of youngsters Lewis Halll, Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley. Even top star such as Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak have kicked on since their arrival on Tyneside. It’s something which doesn’t go unnoticed – and former England star Joe Cole is the latest to add his name to Howe’s long list of admirers.
Cole, who shone for West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea is a long playing career, would love to see United end their trophy drought by beating the Reds at Wembley next month, but is quick to highlight Howe’s abilities in dealing with the pressures and focus being in the Newcastle United hotseat brings.
“There will always be pressure on Newcastle, especially when you have owners who are used to being massively successful by throwing money at everything,” Cole told Paddy Power. “They’ve bought the club during an era where the authorities are nailing down on FFP rules, which makes it difficult for entities from abroad to come into the Premier League and throw money at it – like we’ve seen with Chelsea and Manchester City.
“Even if they don’t win the Carabao Cup, it won’t be a disappointing season for Newcastle. It’s difficult for Eddie Howe to compete – you can have all the money in the world but if you can’t spend it, you cant’ spend it. He’s been smart with the way he’s brought players in and made them better – players like Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. I think he’s been brilliant, and there aren’t enough managers like him in the Premier League – I would love to see Newcastle and Eddie Howe win a trophy.”
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