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Eddie Howe sends powerful message at Newcastle training ground without speaking
Ciaran Kelly
4 – 5 minutes
Eddie Howe had given notice. “I look forward to being back as soon as possible,” the Newcastle United boss signed off a short statement last week. Sure enough, just nine days later, Howe parked up at the training ground.
Few will have imagined Howe coming back quite so soon, after he was hospitalised with pneumonia, but the relentless Newcastle head coach’s return won’t necessarily have surprised those closest to him ahead of Saturday’s visit of Ipswich Town. Indeed, it was just last week that friend, former coaching colleague and ex-team-mate Steve Fletcher told ChronicleLive: “Eddie will do anything to be there. He’s just that way inclined.”
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It is important to point out that Newcastle’s coaching team have stepped up admirably in Howe’s absence – overseeing two wins in three games – while making the absent Magpies boss proud was a powerful driver for players and staff alike during his absence. However, Jason Tindall was the first to admit that he ‘missed’ Howe following last week’s defeat at Aston Villa and the Newcastle assistant hoped the 47-year-old returned ‘as quickly as possible to lead the team’ once he felt ready to do so.
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Jacob Murphy even referred to Howe’s ‘presence’. “It’s huge,” the in-form forward explained to NUFC TV. “He’s such an infectious person.”
These well-drilled players may already know their jobs, but the sight of Howe out on the training pitches less than two weeks after being admitted to hospital will have given the group a timely shot in the arm following the black-and-whites’ leggy display at Villa Park. As intense as training has been in Howe’s absence – staff continued to drive standards – you suspect it went up another notch on Wednesday.
Howe’s return felt like a reminder, if one was even needed, of how driven the 47-year-old is and what he is prepared to do to help take his side back to the Champions League. After all, no one would have begrudged Howe taking the rest of the season off – let alone another fortnight.
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According to NHS guidance, most people get better after contracting pneumonia in two to four weeks, but ‘most people’ are not having to lead a football club when the stakes are so high with just a handful of games to go. The burden is shared but a typical day is so demanding when it comes to preparing training, coming up with a tactical game plan, coaching, analysing the opposition and holding an endless series of meetings.
Even Tindall could not help but momentarily shake his head as he ran through a long list of responsibilities last week. “So much stuff goes into preparing a team to go and deliver a performance,” he said.
You can see why Howe gets in so early each morning. The training ground is the obsessive Newcastle boss’ domain. Clearly, not even pneumonia was going to stop him.
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Jason Tindall is set to remain in charge of Newcastle United until further notice.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has missed the last three Premier League matches after being taken to hospital with pneumonia with Tindall taking charge in his absence.
The Magpies beat Manchester United and Crystal Palace to move up to third in the Premier League table before losing 4-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday. Newcastle have five games left to secure Champions League qualification to add to their Carabao Cup win from last month.
But there are no guarantees that Howe will be back in the dugout before the end of the season with the club’s last official update stating that Tindall would be taking charge for the matches against Palace and Villa.
While it has not been confirmed that Tindall will be in charge for Newcastle’s next match against Ipswich Town at St James’ Park next Saturday, he will be preparing the side through the week in anticipation that he will be.
Jason Tindall asked for Eddie Howe update
When asked if there had been any further contact between him and Howe around the Aston Villa match, Tindall said: “No, I’ve not [been in contact]. I’ve not seen my phone since the final whistle was gone.
“So, I’m not sure if there’s any contact there, but as soon as there is any more news, then I’m sure the media team will update you guys.”
Tindall will be taking his role as effective interim manager on a day by day basis in Howe’s absence.
“Until I’m told otherwise,” Tindall said when asked if he will remain in charge. “then obviously that’s my duty and what I have to do. Obviously the most important thing for Ed is that he rests and he recovers, and I think the more he does that, the sooner he’ll be able to come and lead the team again.
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Newcastle United’s latest Eddie Howe statement
Not including Tindall’s press conference updates, Newcastle’s latest official update regarding Howe released on April 14 read: “Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
“The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.
“Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa this week, with further updates to be communicated in due course.”
Howe said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.
“I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”
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