Newcastle asking ‘serious questions’ of Eddie Howe as sack whispers intensify

The Magpies have now won just one of their last nine games in all competitions, while they have lost three of their last four at home, raising new concerns.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Howe will ultimately take the blame for all of the issues that have come up this season.

While injuries and disappointing performances from key players have halted their progress, the manager is now facing intense scrutiny over his position.

Eddie Howe faces Newcastle sack pressure

Football Insider revealed on 9 February that Newcastle have no plans to sack Howe in the near future and are continuing to back him despite their poor form.

However, questions are now being asked over his position and there is a growing feeling that he must turn results around soon to remain in a stable position.

“Howe is definitely coming in for some stick,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Their away form has been dreadful for a while now, not just this season, and they no longer look like the impenetrable side they can be at home.

“It used to be that playing Newcastle at St James’ Park, you’d go into the game thinking you’d already lost almost, but teams don’t get that any more.

“Brentford have gone there and put three past them and they’re not the only side to do it recently.

“That’s the issue, if you’re mostly relying on your home form and then you go and lose a couple of games, you start to wonder where the next win is coming from.

“That’s why questions are being asked of Eddie Howe at Newcastle, because they expect to be challenging towards the top end of the table for European football.

“The way this season has gone, they’re not going to be doing that, so fingers then get pointed at the manager because he’s not delivering their expectations.

“Yes, he’s missing some important players through injury and that adds up, but as I always say, the manager is the one who gets the blame if results aren’t going right.

“Whether Eddie Howe will be sacked, I’m not completely convinced, but there’s a lot of pressure on him now and there are questions being asked.”

Alan Shearer weights in on Howe sack debate

Speculation about Howe’s future is not only coming from Newcastle fans, but as a result of their poor performances, Alan Shearer has given his verdict.

Howe emerged among the favourites to become the next Premier League manager to lose his job following the League Cup defeat to Man City last week.

The following defeat to Brentford piled on the pressure, and Shearer has insisted Howe has a “huge problem” and warned things may not get any better.

The money spent on players including Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey during the summer has also done the boss no favours as they have yet to impress.

While Alexander Isak’s departure has also not helped the situation, there is a growing feeling that Howe could struggle to turn around this recent form.

For more Newcastle and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.