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"I'm not doing my job well enough"

  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

That was Eddie Howe's reaction after another depressing performance and defeat left Newcastle as close on points to the relegation spots as the CL places.


The boos that rang out at SJP at the end of the game confirmed that many Toon fans are growing increasingly concerned. Personally, I would never boo the team no matter what. But it has definitely sent a message to Eddie Howe and the squad.


That message is basically this; sort it out Eddie. And fast.


Depressing stats that pile on the pressure


  • 19pts dropped from winning positions - the highest in the Prem

  • Only two games won away all season in the PL

  • Only one win in the last eight in all competitions

  • Three defeats in the last four games at SJP

  • Only 6pts from 39 against teams above us in the league

  • Only one player - Thiaw - from five summer signings who has justified the fee


If we lose the FA Cup game at Aston Villa and don't beat Qarabag over two legs in the CL those stats will look even worse and this season could be effectively over by March.


How will PIF react?


The media are now joining fans in questioning whether Eddie Howe has a future at Newcastle.


CEO Hopkinson's talk of major trophies by 2030 is looking like a pipe dream.


We are almost certain to miss out on CL qualification this season and apart from the financial loss that may well give coveted players like Tonali and Tino a reason to justify wanting a move. And, don't rule out big bids for Lewis Hall in the summer.


No CL will also make recruitment of any top targets even more difficult than it was last summer. The upward momentum since PIF's takeover could come to a shuddering halt.


The $64K question is - how will PIF react?


Yes, we lost Isak, yes, we've been hammered by injuries amid a daunting four competition fixture list and, yes, the summer signings have had little impact on first team strength and performances.


Is that enough to convince PIF that Eddie Howe still has enough credit in the bank to survive whatever happens between now and the end of the season?


IMO it depends on results between now and May.


Eddie is under real pressure and if performances and if results don't significantly improve PIF have a decision to make. And I don't think that decision will go in Eddie's favour.


There is still time for Eddie to turn this round.


Who knows; we could win the FA Cup, get through to the last four of the CL, or make a late charge and qualify for one of the lesser European competitions.


I think Eddie needs at least one of those to still be at the helm next season.


What do you think?


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