The ‘wait, what?’ moment in Eddie Howe’s press conference that sparked debate
Lee Ryder
3 – 4 minutes
Eddie Howe has told his Newcastle United players, whether fresh from the youth team to an experienced professional, not to take anything for granted with the Magpies.
As Howe and the club’s board ponder contract renewals and potential sales in the next transfer window, the head coach himself set a particular tone after the game against Everton. Let’s get one thing clear, Howe was not probed or prodded on his future, the question was about whether he would miss going to Goodison Park after Newcastle’s last visit.
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And the likelihood is his subsequent answer would have been no different to his playing days when talking about the future when underlining he takes nothing for granted. However, it was enough to spark a lively conversation among journalists in the bowels of Goodison as Howe left to get on the bus after the 0-0 draw.
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When asked by Chronicle Live if he’d miss Goodison Park, a ground in which Bournemouth were relegated at in his final game for the Cherries, Howe said: “Probably not! Not from our games against them here, it is a difficult ground to come to.
“We’ve won here, we’ve lost here. What I would say is that the Everton supporters create a great atmosphere for their team. So it is a difficult place to play.”
And then came the eyebrow-raising moment as Howe looked ahead to Everton’s move to Bramley-Moore Dock. He went on: “I am looking forward to – if I am still Newcastle manager – going next season.”
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Howe’s comments are a world away from his interview in Germany in pre-season when he stated that things had to be right for him in order to stay on and work with sporting director Paul Mitchell and James Bunce. But it was still an odd remark given he signed a new contract extension last season on a long-term deal.
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Things seem to have calmed down on that score with Howe insisting things were “good” between himself and Mitchell two weeks ago and Bunce even appearing on team pictures after the last win against AFC Wimbledon. It led journalists to dissect whether there was any hidden meaning in the comment but what is apparent from the club’s owners is that PIF and the board want to see Newcastle on an upward trajectory.
Last season’s seventh place was deemed a bump in the road after Howe was dealt 41 separate injuries. This season nobody has hidden from the fact that a top four place is desired with Howe, Mitchell and CEO Darren Eales all eluding to it during the summer.
Seven games in, Newcastle are two points off the top four and face Brighton next before a Premier League trip to Chelsea.
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