Newcastle named former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe as the replacement for Steve Bruce on Monday.
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Eddie Howe is feeling “honoured and privileged” to be appointed as Newcastle United head coach. The 43-year-old has thanked the club for showing faith in him and added that Newcastle is the “perfect fit” for him. Newcastle named former Bournemouth manager Howe as the replacement for Steve Bruce on Monday. Howe was confirmed as the new head coach of the club on a contract until summer 2024. It is his first job since leaving Bournemouth in 2020 following their relegation from the Premier League.
“It feels fantastic to be head coach of Newcastle, I’m absolutely honoured and privileged,” Howe was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “It’s an incredible moment in my life, and judging by the reaction I’ve had and how the two days of training has gone, it’s been a really positive start. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me, and the board here for trusting in me in this important job.”
It was reported that Howe had been in talks to become Celtic manager earlier this year but negotiations broke down and the club went with Ange Postecoglou, who is their current manager. When asked why he said yes to the Newcastle job, Howe said: “Everything just felt right, it really did.”
“The pull of the club is huge,” he added. “The size of the club, the history of the club, the new ambitious plans, the new owners when meeting them, knowing some of the players – I just thought it was a perfect fit for me. Yes, I had lots of other options, but I wanted to take my time and really utilise my time away from the game. I feel refreshed, energised, and ready to start work.”
Newcastle are sitting second from the bottom of the Premier League table and are still searching for their first win of the campaign. With just five points from 11 games, the task to save the club from relegation is a tall order for Howe. He added: “We have had some really good conversations and I have been really impressed with their vision for the club, but to be honest I haven’t delved into it too much.”
“It is all about the short term and the position of the team. Obviously we need to try and address that very quickly and move up the league and avoid relegation. I’m absolutely confident we can, but I make no promises on that. All I can do is lead the club to the best of my abilities. I will give 100 per cent every single day to try and bring success to Newcastle.”
Magpies are reportedly set to bring in Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, who has announced he will leave Anfield in the summer. Howe, however, has distanced himself from these reports. “As far as I know, absolutely not – I know nothing about Michael Edwards’ future,” Howe, who worked with Edwards at Portsmouth, said.
“He’s someone I hugely respect in the game and what he’s done for Liverpool, but my main focus since coming to Newcastle has been on the players who are currently in the team, not focused on January or other outside influences.”
