Qudus SalihuNewcastle United’s ownership has reportedly reached a “brutal” crossroads regarding the future of Eddie Howe following a demoralizing 3-2 home defeat to Brentford. The loss, which saw the Magpies booed off the pitch at St. James’ Park, has left the club sitting in a lowly 12th place, sparking an immediate and intense review of the managerial position by the PIF-led board.
While the hierarchy has historically championed stability, the nature of the Brentford collapse—marked by defensive “lethargy” and a third consecutive league defeat—has shifted the narrative. Sources suggest that while Howe has not been relieved of his duties yet, he has been handed a strict ultimatum: a set of “compulsory” must-win games to save his job.
The “shameful” defensive display, which even saw club legend Alan Shearer call for veteran Kieran Trippier to be dropped, has highlighted a perceived “stale” tactical approach. Howe, who led Newcastle to an EFL Cup trophy just last year, admitted after the match that he is “not doing his job well enough” and that the current run is “damaging.”
The board’s frustration stems from a lack of progress despite significant summer investment. With upcoming fixtures against the likes of Tottenham and a crucial Champions League playoff against Qarabağ, the margin for error has vanished. The message from the boardroom is clear: the “Moyes-esque” resilience that once defined Howe’s tenure has disappeared, and unless results improve immediately in this critical seven-game stretch, a change in the dugout is inevitable.
For a club with ambitions of becoming “the best in the world by 2030,” a mid-table slump is unacceptable. Howe’s fate now hangs by a thread, with the next few matchdays serving as a final trial for the man who once could do no wrong on Tyneside.
Mustapha Sheidu
Rabiu Aminu
Qudus Salihu
