Eddie Howe makes ‘difficult’ admission after Newcastle United departures confirmed

admin | July 24, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Eddie Howe has had his say on the departures of Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi from Newcastle United.

Staveley and Ghodoussi were instrumental in the takeover process and helped Howe following his appointment in November 2021. But the co-owners have now stepped away from the club to pursue other business interests with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and RB Sports & Media absorbing their 5.7% ownership stake.

On Staveley and Ghodoussi’s departure, the Newcastle boss said: “It’s difficult because they have been incredible for the football club along with everyone else. It has been a real team effort since I have been here.

“I built up a strong relationship with them. They were very active and vocal and supportive, not just for me but with staff and players and very supportive game day and very visible.

“That is another change at the football club. I can’t thank them enough for what they gave to me and the players and they help in various deals we have done and I wish them well in the future.”

There has been speculation surrounding Howe’s future at Newcastle with links to the recently vacated England manager’s position. But Howe insists he will remain as manager of the club as long as he receives the support necessary to do his job.

“As long as I’m happy in the position that I’m in,” he added. “As long as I feel supported by the football club and free to work in the way that I want to work, yes. That is the crucial thing.

“There has been a lot of change at the football club this summer. It has been a very difficult summer for everyone connected with the club. With change comes always a new feeling.

“You can point to PSR, Amanda and Mehrdad, a change in sporting director which, of course, influences me. These are all big changes. That is why I’ve made the points that I have because this has to work for Newcastle.

“It’s not about me as the manager. I’m slightly irrelevant. It’s about making sure Newcastle United is as strong as it can be for the next season and beyond. We’ve all got to come together and make sure we are the force that we want to be.”

Howe added: “I have been really happy [at Newcastle] for two-and-a-half years. I have loved every second of the relationships that I’ve had and the way I’ve been able to work. I think that has brought success.

“We’re in the flux of change, it’s just happened. I can’t say with a definitive answer where that will lead. I hope it leads to everything that I’ve just said. That could easily be the case, but it needs to be that way for Newcastle, not so much for me. The club is always the most important thing.”

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