Newcastle Sack Eddie Howe: Boss Runs Out of Time

GOODBYE, FAST EDDIE

The idea that a public show of support carries little real value has been a familiar football cliché for years. Until now, however, few would have imagined that the same principle might apply when the backing came from Jonjo Shelvey—a man with such strong views about fairness that he once accused Alex Ferguson of informing on him after a heavy challenge witnessed by 45,000 spectators, millions watching worldwide and the referee himself.

“The matches start very late over here,” the Arabian Falcons manager explained in April while arguing that Eddie Howe deserved to remain in charge at Newcastle. “It is difficult to watch every game from beginning to end, but whenever possible I make a real effort to tune in.” To his credit, Shelvey refused to let the formidable three-hour time difference defeat him, even as Newcastle’s fixtures kicked off at supposedly inconvenient times between 3pm and 11pm. Drawing on his considerable football knowledge, he eventually delivered the polished verdict: “I think they should stay with Eddie because he is an excellent manager.”

Newcastle’s respected decision-makers remained unconvinced despite that enthusiastic backing. In September, chief executive David Hopkinson compared Howe to Bruce Springsteen, apparently presenting him as a valued figure with character, authority and charisma. Perhaps the lack of laughter suggested another interpretation, because by April Hopkinson had become less definite about Howe’s future, saying: “We will discuss what comes next when the moment is right.” That moment has seemingly arrived—even if Shelvey’s calculations place it in the depths of the night—and Howe has now been shown the exit.

“Every day I spend as Newcastle manager is a privilege,” he said with customary openness only last night. “I believe each season offers the possibility of achieving something special, and there is genuine excitement about what lies ahead. I cannot see why this campaign should be different.” Supporters with good memories may recall that Howe announced on 11 January 2011 that he would remain at Bournemouth, only to become Burnley’s manager three days later. In other words, he understands how quickly circumstances can change in football and may already have suspected that his employers were preparing to make a difficult decision. Suggestions that the separation resulted from the new rules governing goalkeeper “tactical time-outs” are believed to be incorrect.

Matthias Jaissle is expected to replace Howe and inherit responsibility for maintaining a Newcastle tradition associated with figures such as Wor Jackie, George Robledo and John Carver, as well as that memorable green-and-white away strip. Following lengthy and complicated discussions between Newcastle’s majority owner, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Al-Ahli’s owner, also Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jaissle should soon be released from his current agreement. Although knowledgeable observers rate him highly, one important question remains for everyone else: with the daunting one-hour difference between Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, when can Jonjo Shelvey provide his expert analysis?

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“For clarity, I am still recovering from an injury and have not yet returned to training. I have not been ‘excluded’, so please stop spreading nonsense. Thanks.” In a social-media post that was quickly removed, Jack Grealish explained why he will not join Manchester City’s forthcoming trip to Hong Kong and Seoul.

“Regarding Marc Cucurella’s tattoo mentioned in Wednesday’s complete email edition, are you suggesting that it is a champion’s stamp? I will show myself out.” – Andy Beller.

“Credit to Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice for suspending Victor Gabriel until his injured opponent has recovered, as reported in Wednesday’s news. Perhaps the same principle could be extended by recording how much time players spend pretending to be hurt on the ground, then imposing a suspension of equal length at the beginning of their next match.” – John Collins (not that one).

“I do not usually promote conspiracy theories, but Joshua Kushner is the brother of property developer Jared Kushner, whose family connection to Donald Trump is well known. That may offer a clue about where Fifa found its latest revenue-generating proposal.” – JJ Zucal.

“I agree that Jürgen Klinsmann influenced the Premier League, as discussed in Wednesday’s Memory Lane. He introduced me to the sight of a gifted athlete using his ability to mislead officials or secure an advantage instead of simply playing the game. Despite his self-mocking humour and unusual car, his true competitive nature appeared on the pitch. As for the cabriolet, its instability and tendency to collapse unpredictably made it a fitting vehicle for him.” – Jon Millard.

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