Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Paul Merson have publicly backed Eddie Howe despite Newcastle United’s alarming dip in form that has taken the club out of the European picture and into the bottom half of the Premier League.
Newcastle produced an improved display against Arsenal on Saturday Night Football but still lost 1-0 — their fourth successive league defeat. The run has left the Magpies 14th on 42 points, only six above the relegation zone, and has intensified scrutiny on Howe.
Both Neville and Merson argued that sacking Howe would be the wrong move. Merson stressed his admiration for the manager, warning Newcastle to be cautious about letting him go: he suggested clubs such as Chelsea would be keen to appoint Howe and reminded viewers that the manager had delivered the club’s first trophy in 70 years. “It should be his decision if he wants to leave,” Merson said, adding that other teams would be lining up to take him.
Neville, speaking from the Emirates on his podcast, called this season “really disappointing” but urged the club to back Howe and use the current period to plan for next season. He singled out a number of recent signings that have yet to deliver, naming Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa as examples of transfers that haven’t paid off, and said the club’s recruitment must improve. “Full faith and trust in Eddie Howe is the way to go,” Neville said, urging the board to sit with the manager and clarify the players he wants so they can do business early.
Howe is due to meet Newcastle’s hierarchy this week. He described such meetings as routine but acknowledged this one would be tougher: he welcomed the opportunity to discuss the club’s future with the owners.
Midfielder Bruno Guimarães offered a blunt assessment after the Arsenal defeat, praising the team’s passion in the game but admitting that the season overall has been below expectations. He said the squad has been inconsistent, “bouncing between a good game and a bad game,” and conceded reinforcements are required. “We have four games to save it and at least try to qualify for European football next season,” Guimarães added, acknowledging the fans’ disappointment and calling for improvement.
With supporters and pundits split, Newcastle face a crucial run of matches and a key conversation between manager and board as they try to arrest the slide and map out a plan for next season.