In what's been a slight hurdle this last week for the new owners of Newcastle United, it looks as if Amanda Staveley and the Newcastle board have got there man. Although it looked certain at one stage that it would be Unai Emery at the helm, it seemed as if the direction of the club wasn't for him. I wouldn't go as far to say it's been a 'shambles' as certain segments of the media have titled the process of the appointment, but it's most certainly a learning curve and an experience the ownership would have learnt from.
Pictured at the Amex Stadium sitting next to Amanda Staveley, Eddie Howe was accompanied by his trusted assistant Jason Tindall as they watched Newcastle's draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. It was a game which I feared the worst and actually with our history on that turf, I would take a point in most circumstances. I'm sure Eddie and Jason had a lot to ponder as once again we allowed the opposition the ability and time to play with no pressure and just hope we can capitalize on the counter. Although this squad of players have been named by certain pundits in the game as 'the worst squad in the league', I don't accept this. Although there is no doubt that a few members of the squad have overstayed their welcome and are struggling to adapt to the ever growing standard of the Premier League, I still believe there is enough in the team to firstly secure safety and look to push for a mid-table finish. What needs to happen to secure this is positive coaching and renewed motivation. Most players who have worked under Howe have always praised his tactical ability and his man management approach. Although Ryan Fraser may not necessarily agree - which is a story for another day, both Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie are two who have only ever spoke highly of the man.
Where there will be question marks is on Eddie Howe's ability to coach the defensive blocks. Although his success has come from playing on the front foot and being aggressive when going forward, it seemed back in 2020 they couldn't sustain the the pressure and although it was a very unprecedented end to that season with the pandemic making a huge effect on the football schedule, it was a disappointing end to Bournemouth's Premier League status. What cannot be discarded is Eddie Howe's and Bournemouth's record prior to this, most notably back in 16/17 season finishing 9th in the league. Howe, who's still considered as a young and upcoming manager being still only 43 years young, will want to prove his worth and show his ability as a coach in the top flight. It's important to note that this was a man who has been strongly linked to clubs such as Arsenal and Everton, so his pedigree is most certainly there.
Although suggested that a huge number of Newcastle fans will be disheartened by this appointment, I think that's the media once again stirring the pot and I think there will be a high number that feel this will be a great starting point for the club, and he will bring new life on to that training ground. His first game is due after the international break, giving him and the new coaching staff the opportunity to have these two weeks to implement the philosophy and new playing identity. Brentford at home is a fixture where we need to be getting our first win of the season, but nevertheless I hope Eddie is given time and allowed to use the January transfer window to recruit players who will give us the best chance to have a strong start to 2022.