Eddie Howe clarifies Newcastle future as co-owner issues blunt statement

View 2 Images

Eddie Howe has vowed to stay and fight on as Newcastle manager after a disappointing end to the season. Newcastle slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Sunday to finish the campaign 12th in the Premier League , way off the European places.

Goals from Issa Diop and Tom Cairney condemned Newcastle to defeat in west London. The Magpies had taken seven points from a possible nine coming into the final game, but the loss gave them a flat end to a difficult campaign.

With Pep Guardiola stepping down as Manchester City manager, Howe is the third longest-serving Premier League boss, behind only Mikel Arteta and Marco Silva, who could leave Fulham. But Fulham leapfrogging Newcastle into 11th meant the lowest finish for the Magpies under Howe's management.

He arrived in November 2021 and has previously led the team to 11th, 4th, 7th, 5th-place finishes. Howe won the Carabao Cup with Newcastle last season and led them into the Champions League, yet after four and a half years at the helm, there are suggestions it could be time for a change. However, the 48-year-old has no plans to step down.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

"My commitment has never wavered from day one to today," Howe told Chronicle Live. "Regardless of who it is, unity running through a football club is important from top to bottom. You need that togetherness and that plan."

Newcastle now go into the summer break, with plenty of time for reflection. They will return to work on July 13 for pre-season training - and Howe admits there is plenty to work on.

He said: "Whenever you have things to work on you have to absorb it. If you deflect and think it's nothing to do with us, then you never grow or improve. Reflection, analysis and learning is all part of the growing at any football club and certainly there is a lot to take in and absorb from this season."

View 2 Images

Meanwhile, Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben has given his assessment of the campaign on social media. "Thank you to the travelling support today," he posted on X.

"Clearly a very disappointing result at the the end of an underwhelming season, despite some great moments in the Champions League and other domestic cups we have not lived up to where we should and need to be.

"All of us from ownership down to the coaching staff and players will work tirelessly over the summer to advance our project, come back stronger and start the new season in the best way possible To all our supporters, staff everyone associated with Newcastle United, thank you for your support."

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.