Is Newcastle Reaching The End Of The Eddie Howe Era?

Forbes Business

by Graham Ruthven, Contributor

February 23, 2026

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Newcastle United's defeat to Manchester City has sparked concerns about the future of Eddie Howe's tenure at the club. Following the loss, which dropped them to 11th place in the Premier League table, questions are emerging about whether this marks the beginning of the end for Howe's leadership. While he has steered the team clear of relegation and fostered a competitive spirit, inconsistent results have raised doubts among fans and stakeholders. The club's performance under Howe has become a focal point for discussions about the club's direction and whether a change in management could yield better results. Eddie Howe's arrival at Newcastle in 2021 was met with optimism, as he inherited a squad in need of rebuilding and a fractured fan base. Despite limited transfer spending compared to their wealthy Premier League rivals, Howe has managed to implement a style of play that emphasizes possession and attacking football. However, the team's recent struggles—losing five of their last eight games—have cast doubt on whether this approach is sustainable. Critics argue that while Howe has improved the club's visibility and reputation, his inability to consistently deliver results has created pressure from both fans and investors. The timing of Newcastle's slide in the table comes at a critical juncture for the club's ownership. The PIF-led consortium, which purchased Newcastle last year, has shown patience so far but is likely monitoring the situation closely. A continued decline could heighten speculation about a potential managerial change, especially if the team fails to secure a Europa League spot or improve their league position before the end of the season. For fans and stakeholders, the stakes are high. A prolonged period of underperformance could damage Newcastle's brand value and hinder their ability to attract top talent in the future. Additionally, any decision to replace Howe would require careful consideration, as finding

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/23/2026