Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United’s head coach after nearly five years at St James’ Park and 231 matches in charge.
His departure follows Wednesday night’s 4-1 pre-season friendly loss to Bristol City at Ashton Gate. After the match, Howe suggested further developments could be on the horizon. Asked about his confidence before the new campaign, he said the club had already experienced significant change, with more potentially ahead.
Howe took charge in November 2021, succeeding Steve Bruce at the Premier League side. The former Bournemouth boss led Newcastle to the Carabao Cup in January 2023, securing the club’s first major trophy since 1955. He also guided the team into the Champions League after a fourth-place finish in the 2022-23 season.
Despite substantial financial backing from the club’s Saudi owners, Newcastle struggled last season and ended the campaign in 12th, having placed fifth the year before. From 7 January onwards, the team recorded only five victories in their final 17 league fixtures.
Newcastle’s squad has recently been weakened by Sandro Tonali’s move to Tottenham and England forward Anthony Gordon’s transfer to Barcelona. Questions also remain about captain Bruno Guimaraes and whether he will stay at the club.
The team are scheduled to travel to south-eastern Spain later this week as preparations for the upcoming season intensify. Their plans include a match against La Liga club Valencia on Saturday, 8 August, as part of the annual Trofeu Taronja, also known as the Orange Cup.
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