Is Eddie Howe's Job On The Line?

After David Hopkinson revealed that he and Eddie Howe had a 'one on one' discussion after the Sunderland defeat, the media is now awash with speculation that nothing less than some form of European qualification this season will be acceptable to PIF.

Record spend followed by unfulfilled expectations

Pre-season expectations after CL qualification and a Carabou Cup win were fuelled further by the knowledge that the transfer coffers were to be opened - most fans, and I suspect PIF, were expecting another season of CL qualification and possibly a cup win.

Whilst the Isak saga and being turned down by our top transfer targets initially dampened the mood, spirits rose again after the club spent a record £277M.

With only Isak of our 'purple' first team squad leaving confidence was high that this was going to be a season where NUFC would enjoy another period of progress.

However... a run to the semi-final of the Carabou Cup and qualification from the group stage of the CL wasn't enough to hide the fact that our league form has been inconsistent and way below par.

Sunderland completing the double was the straw that broke the camel's back and crushed the hope that a CL spot could still be within our grasp.

How much is Eddie to blame?

If Eddie doesn't somehow pull a European place off - and even a Conference League place might not be enough to satisfy PIF - will Hopkinson's underlying 'threat' that the club has to qualify for European competition result in a parting of ways?

Is that being seriously considered? Was Eddie given that ultimatum at the post-Sunderland meeting? If so, was it fair for Hopkinson to lay that on the line?

One thing we do know is that Hopkinson refused to give an answer on Eddie's future.

That has led the bookies to make Eddie Howe the 3/1 second favourite next PL manager to be sacked - just behind Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner at 5/2.

Whilst fans will have an opinion on how much Eddie is to blame for this seasons's shortcomings - the only opinion that will count is that of PIF and Hopkinson.

How much influence did Eddie have on last summer's transfer targets and signings?

Did friction between Eddie and Mitchell lead to the latter's departure and disruption to the transfer plans?

Has Eddie's rigid use of 4-3-3 and a perceived reluctance to change tactics been taken as part of the reason for our poor league form?

Are the high level of injuries not being accepted as a reason?

The bottom line is we as fans don't know.

But, Hopkinson and PIF will have had high level discussions.

NUFC is a multi-million pound business and PIF aren't in it to go backwards, results wise or financially. In big business there is very little sentiment. Past performance is history.

7 games to save a season... and a job?

We go to Crystal Palace on Sunday and I hate to use these words again... but it's a must win game.

Lose, and any chance of any European qualification goes practically to zero.

If Palace win by two or more goals they will go above us - let that sink in.

Depending on results in the next seven games we could finish in a European qualifying place... or as low as 14th. 14th is Ashley and Steve Bruce territory.

With or without having received an ultimatum the heat is on Eddie and, if he has, and we don't get the European qualification that Hopkinson might have demanded...

My bet is that Eddie will resign.

No way - after what Eddie has achieved for NUFC - can he suffer the ignominy of being sacked. PIF, I am sure, will pay up his contract in full and he'll leave as a Toon legend.

Many fans still want Eddie to stay, and talk of an exit may well be unfounded...

With just seven games of this season remaining... it won't be long before the truth is out.

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