Newcastle United

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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Eddie Howe has given Newcastle fans some of our happiest memories.

We broke our trophy drought with him. We got into the Champions League twice with him. We fell back in love with Newcastle United with him. And now he's gone.

Last season was a struggle. This summer's transfer window (and, of course, last summer's transfer window) has been less than inspiring. In those terms, it makes sense that Howe has departed, to make way for someone else to make their mark on the club. Wednesday's defeat at Bristol City in a pre-season friendly sort of cemented that for me.

The timing, despite the thrashing in Bristol, does seem a little odd. The conversation about Howe's future has been in the air since the beginning of the year. It looked certain he would leave after being beaten twice by Sunderland. He stayed. The season ended on a disappointing note.

The timing, for me, is the thing that is difficult to understand. This could have happened in May, at the end of the season, when a lot of high-calibre managers were looking for new clubs. It was clear, at that point, that Howe needed a break.

One of the things we have loved about him as a manager is how much he clearly cares about the team, the club and the city. Our poor performances in the latter part of the season were taking a visible toll on him. Perhaps it would have been a better idea for this amicable separation to have happened at that point?

More than that, however, it would have given us a chance to celebrate Howe's achievements. Some might scoff at that, but I prefer to be a bit romantic with it all.

Maybe him leaving this way is football, and the nature of the beast. I just hope when we look back what we remember is the magic, because it really was for a while.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

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We asked for your views on the news that manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the club with immediate effect after almost five years in charge.

Some fans think the change is a good one...

Gareth: Thanks for the cup Eddie, but you said it yourself that you didn't have a plan B and that was your downfall - losing loads of points from a winning position because you only had one tactic that other teams worked out. Fans could see that playing players out of position wasn't working but you just carried on and it cost us a lot of points. Thanks Eddie, but time to change.

Lewis: I feel that this is the right time for Eddie Howe to go, he isn't the right manager to take us to where we want to be, however I don't think the owners have backed him enough to improve the players or improve the depth of the squad. I would just like to thank Eddie for the Champions League nights and getting a first trophy in 70 years.

Russell: Sadly I think it's the right decision for him and the club. We have not played well for a while and he's taken us as far as he can. That said, for me he still leaves as a legend for what he did for the club. He should never have to pay for a pint in Newcastle again and forever will be an honorary Geordie. Thanks for everything Eddie, good luck for the future.

But others are "devastated"...

Ruli: This is a terrible development. Despite the challenges last season, I feel that the majority of the fanbase still supported Howe. Replacing him with an unknown quantity just before the start of the season is arguably the worst possible outcome. I have very low expectations of this season now. Thank you Eddie for dragging us from the brink of relegation, you are our most successful manager for decades!

Sue: Devastated to see Eddie go. Gave us hope, joy, belief and our first domestic trophy in 70 years. And a great bloke, humble and calm. Think this is the definite sign that Bruno Guimaraes is going too. Thanks for all the memories, there were much more highs than lows during the last five years. Love you Eddie and wish you well in whatever you do. Will miss you and never forget you.

Lauren: As a Newcastle fan, Eddie Howe leaving is genuinely devastating. Players come and go - that's football - but managers like Eddie don't come around often. People never seem to give him the credit or respect he deserves. For a club that's constantly written off, mocked, or labelled as "just a mid-table team," he carried an unbelievable amount of pressure and criticism. Yet he helped transform the club and gave us memories that many of us will never forget. I truly wish him nothing but success wherever he goes. I'm incredibly grateful for everything he did for Newcastle, and honestly, I'm nervous about what comes next. Anyone celebrating this clearly doesn't understand what Eddie Howe meant to this club. Today is a really sad day for Newcastle United.

Paul: Bizarre timing. If the decision was made, why wait until there are only 25 days before the season starts? Now you've got to find the right manager, get them through the door, and somehow expect them to implement a completely new system in less than four weeks. Either make the change earlier in the summer or back the man you've got. I just don't understand the logic.

David: Howe has done a great job under difficult circumstances. The first manager to bring silverware to the club in decades. Really sorry to hear this news. Some of the fan base are unrealistic in their expectations. God knows where this leaves us as we go into the new season. Very disappointed.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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It is understood that Eddie Howe communicated his intention to leave to the Newcastle hierarchy around a fortnight ago.

Newcastle initially asked him to reconsider to continue leading the club into next season.

Eventually, though, Newcastle accepted Howe's wishes but asked him to stay as they identified his replacement - a request the coach accepted.

Sources insist that Howe does not have another job lined up with his decision purely based on a feeling that his tenure has run its course, and that he will take a break from football before deciding his next steps.

Howe is said to be deeply emotional about the decision but it is one that has been on his mind for a number of months.

BBC Sport understands that the transfer strategy has prompted concern at how the squad is shaping up for next season and how competitive it may be, though that alone is not the only factor in Howe's decision to quit.

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Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle about Eddie Howe's exit: "Shocked but at the same time kind of not.

"Eddie for a long time has basically had to put fires out. You are losing your best players.

"You can understand the frustration with him when he's trying to build something but you're having that semi-taken away losing your best players. It's always going to be difficult.

"You can understand his frustration.

"There's never a good time to lose a manager. The fans are going to be very frustrated he's leaving at this moment but as I said, there's never really a good time to lose one.

"He's been an excellent manager. On social media you get people saying 'Eddie needs to go'. I've never been one for that. Sometimes people think the grass is greener and that is not the case on times.

"The next manager need to get the city, to know the people, to get how important being manager of Newcastle United is. If you don't get that, straight away you are fighting a losing battle. So you need somebody who wants to come in, embrace the area, the fans and club. If they do that initially, that's a good start."

Listen to Howe above and listen to fan reaction here

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We asked for your views on the news that manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the club with immediate effect after almost five years in charge.

Here are some of your comments:

Ben: Eddie Howe gave Newcastle its spark back - hauling the club out of the relegation scrap, delivering that unforgettable Champions League return, rebuilding players who looked finished, and serving up some of the most fearless football St James' Park has seen in years. His time was full of graft, pride and proper memories, and whatever comes next, he's earned every bit of respect in Newcastle. Local hero.

Roger: This is a total disaster. For years Eddie Howe has been the cool headed master tactician and inspiration of the club's success. He will be difficult to replace. Right now Newcastle look like a serious relegation prospect.

Hazel: Heartbroken season ticket holder! Eddie Howe performed nothing short of miracles turning the team around and going on to win the cup. Despite the mess at the end of last season, management changes, PSR rules and injuries, he did a reasonable job to hold things together. I thought the new recruits were positive given his ability to develop players. Positive anticipation of coming season has just evaporated. Same old Newcastle.

Tom: If there was ever a worse time to lose a manager its now. Middle of pre-season. This I think will set us back years. Eddie got Newcastle and the city. He had an awful season last year but I think he earned the benefit of the doubt. He's lost two and maybe about to be three of his best players. And although we recruited with young talent, we have not recruited anyone with any proven Premier League experience. I hope I am wrong but this could be our downfall. Thank you Eddie for giving us some of the best memories.

Simon: I understand Newcastle fans' frustrations with last season, but the 'Eddie Howe out' crew need to be careful what they've wished for. Only time will now tell and I hope for the sake of the club that we move forward positively. Eddie has to leave with everyone's best wishes for what he has brought to the club.

Have your say and tell us how you feel about Howe's departure?

Get in touch with your views here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Matthias Jaissle, manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, is expected to be appointed as Eddie Howe's successor.

Jaissle joined Al-Ahli in 2023 and led the Saudi club to back-to-back AFC Champions League titles in 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The 38-year-old spent his entire playing career in his native Germany, progressing through the Stuttgart youth system before playing senior football for Hoffenheim from 2007 to 2014.

Capped by Germany at Under-21 level, the defender was forced to retire through injury at the age of 25.

Jaissle began his coaching career as assistant manager at Danish side Brondby, before he took charge of Austrian second division side Liefering.

He succeeded Jesse Marsch as RB Salzburg manager in 2021, and won back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup.

Read more on the managerial change

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Eddie Howe's place in Newcastle folklore is assured, despite a frustrating final season in charge.

The Englishman's reign spanned 231 games, with only Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan managing more matches for the Magpies in the past 50 years. Newcastle won 46.9% of their Premier League fixtures under Howe, second only to their win rate under Keegan (51.2%).

The former Bournemouth boss inherited a side second from bottom and five points from safety after replacing Steve Bruce in November 2021, but quickly steadied the ship and guided Newcastle to a comfortable 11th-place finish six months later.

He went on to secure Champions League qualification twice, while his crowning glory came in the 2025 EFL Cup final, when Newcastle claimed their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

Weakened by Alexander Isak's British-record £125m departure, Howe's side struggled to hit those heights last season, losing 17 league games and keeping just eight clean sheets.

With Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon also sold, and uncertainty over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, a major rebuild now awaits Howe's successor.

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle's Newcastle United commentator

BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck reacts to Eddie Howe's imminent departure: "Speaking to Eddie Howe last night, I did feel he was a man who probably wouldn't be at Newcastle United for very much longer.

"I've been speaking to him for five years and you get to know somebody's ways don't you. I just felt maybe this was coming at some point. The timing is maybe a surprise.

"But Howe, with Champions League football, brilliant, exciting, attacking play, great nights, great goals, great results, wonderful memories. He's a Newcastle United hero and legend. He will always be remembered as one of the great Newcastle United managers. There is no doubt about that."

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live

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Eddie Howe has lost key players Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already this summer while Arsenal are trying to sign their captain Bruno Guimaraes.

There is obviously a level of frustration from Howe at the direction the club are going in their summer recruitment, though the coach was aware of the necessity for the club to sell players this summer.

Earlier this year, Howe had decided to remain at St James' Park regardless of the inevitably about selling players.

But over the summer, his perspective has changed and he will now be leaving.

In an era of financial regulations, just because you have wealthy owners doesn't mean you can spend big in the transfer window. You have to abide by those rules and that is where Newcastle have come unstuck this summer.

They were perilously close to not complying with those rules and that was key in the decisions to sell Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

With that, if Guimaraes was to leave as well, it would probably have been a step too far for Howe who also has his reputation to defend here.

He may look at the current squad and the recruitment of young, unproven players and think they may struggle this season. There was, in my mind rightly, a concern from his perspective that maybe it is the right time to walk away.

He will go down as a legend at St James' Park. He led them to that Carabao Cup triumph which will never be forgotten and he led them to Champions League football again. His standing among the fans is very high.

But, when you look at their summer, there is every reason to believe next season will be a struggle.

The process to replace him is well underway, no confirmed names yet but I think that will be a process that moves pretty quickly.

Howe had great success in my mind at St James' Park since his appointment, but this summer has been riddled by transfer issues.

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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the club with immediate effect, sources have told BBC Sport.

Howe came under pressure last season as Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League after losing 17 of their 38 games.

The 48-year-old's final match in charge was a 4-1 defeat by Bristol City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager in November 2021, and ended Newcastle's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup.

He led the Magpies to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025.

Have your say and tell us how you feel about Howe's departure?

Get in touch with your views here

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Newcastle continued their pre-season preparations with a 4-1 defeat at Championship side Bristol City on Wednesday night.

Sam Greenwood's curling free-kick put Bristol City ahead before Lorent Tolaj doubled the Robins' advantage before the half-hour mark.

Shortly after the restart, Max Bird's strike extended their advantage and, despite Harvey Barnes pulling one back, a Sven Botman own goal restored the three-goal cushion in the closing stages.

Ashton Gate - including 3,400 travelling Magpies fans - rose as one to conduct a minute's applause in honour of the late Kevin Keegan in the seventh minute, a nod to the number he wore during a terrific playing career.

"I thought it was a really good test for us," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said post-match.

"The scoreline is a difficult one for us to take, I don't think we deserved that at all today.

"Anyone who watched the game would have seen that we were very competitive. The goals we conceded were strange ones. They had six shots and scored four goals.

"The majority of the game we had control of with the ball. We probably didn't do enough with it in terms of creativity, although we certainly should have scored more than the one we got."

A potential worry for Howe was the early substitution of defender Fabian Schar, who was withdrawn after an awkward fall but walked of the pitch.

"It's an encouraging sign," Howe added.

"I'm not quite sure what the injury is. He felt a bit of tightness in his groin and it was obviously nagging him."

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Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga says he is returning to the club "in a really good place" after the World Cup.

Elanga endured a difficult first season with the Magpies after his £55m move from Nottingham Forest last summer, failing to score in 32 Premier League appearances, but scored twice at the World Cup for Sweden as they exited at the round of 32 stage.

"I've had time during the World Cup to reflect on a lot of things, on and off the pitch," the 24-year-old told club media.

"I feel like I'm in a really, really good place - house in order, everything's good, family are good.

"For me, physically, I feel the best I've ever felt. I just feel ready to go. I've come back for the new season and it doesn't feel like I've been away. I'm ready to play, I'm ready to play as soon as possible. If possible, I want to play against Bristol City. I've only been here two days, but that's how I feel. I feel sharp. I feel good. I feel quick, strong. I just want to go out there and show it.

"I've grown a lot as a player, as a person. I've learned a lot from what I did last season. I've reflected a lot and I'm a different player now, I'm a different person from last year, from yesterday. I always try to forget about the past, but learn from it, and move forward for what's ahead. There are exciting times ahead. I've just got to focus on the things that I can control.

"I know last season wasn't the way I wanted it to go, or what I had planned in my head. But I know the type of player I am. I know what I'm capable of doing, so it's all about focusing on the now, staying present for the present and moving forward with confidence and precision. I'm ready for this season to start."

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BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde, commentator Matthew Raisbeck and former player John Anderson have been discussing Bruno Guimaraes' future with the Magpies.

"The situation is unchanged, nothing has happened officially, that doesn't mean it won't. Arsenal would have to make a bid that Newcastle would be able to think about," Raisbeck told the Total Sport show.

"If they want him, they're going to have to go higher, even if the player is interested. He's due back at training on Friday.

"It's not necessarily about leaving, but it's about how you do it. With Bruno, maybe something will happen but hopefully he won't force it like [Alexander] Isak did.

"Another reason you wouldn't want Bruno doing what Isak did is it would show that it's easy to get out of Newcastle. If there's a more attractive opportunity, all you have to do is just down tools and then you'll get your move."

Anderson added: "Bruno hasn't said anything but he'll get asked the questions when he's back and then we'll know. It's not ideal losing [Anthony] Gordon and [Sandro] Tonali, but to say we're in a relegation fight is a bit defeatist. A ball hasn't even been kicked yet.

"Everybody has a price, but I doubt they would get £100m for him. Will they get £80m for him? We'll see."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here

Newcastle United sources insist the club are not in talks with Arsenal over a deal to sell Magpies skipper Bruno Guimaraes, 28, to the Gunners and the Tyneside club expect the Brazil international to return to training on Friday. (Northern Echo, external)

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Video assistant referees should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents, say European refereeing officials.

Chief refereeing officers from all 55 European national football associations met last week with Uefa refereeing officials and a representative from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to address recent changes to the game's laws.

Attendees said "lengthy, microscoping reviews" indicate VAR has gone beyond its original scope.

When VAR was added to the laws of the game in 2018 by football's rulemakers Ifab, its "philosophy" was "minimum interference - maximum benefit", with the intention of reducing "unfairness caused by clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents" relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.

Uefa said that at its recent meeting that refereeing bosses agreed a return to those original aims is needed.

"It was reiterated that, in accordance with protocol, VAR must only intervene in situations of 'clear and obvious' error, ie. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident," Uefa said in a statement.

"VAR is not meant to re-referee the game, it is an essential support to the referees, who must remain at the centre of all decision-making.

"Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited."

Sevilla are willing to sell Ruben Vargas, 22, for 20m euros (£17m) with Newcastle, Brighton and Aston Villa among Premier League clubs interested in the 27-year-old Switzerland winger. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

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