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Eddie Howe has emerged from a meeting with Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners confident he retains their support but also acutely aware that such backing is finite, with the manager admitting “a lot is riding” on Saturday’s visit of Brighton.
Howe will aim to end a run of five straight defeats against Fabian Hürzeler’s side at St James’ Park and is under no illusion of the significance of the task ahead. “We need a win,” admitted Newcastle’s manager. “There’s a lot riding on this weekend for us. You can talk as much as you want but the proof is in how the team performs. I’m under no illusion that needs to be positive.”
Howe spent a large part of Thursday locked in discussions with Newcastle’s chair, Yasir al-Rumayyan, who headed a 25-strong delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) during an annual club review at Matfen Hall Hotel in Northumberland. “It was constructive,” said Howe, who made a presentation to the owners before facing some forensic questioning. “I was pleased by the level of support given to me but, of course, there’s an understanding that we need to get results.
“There were challenging conversations, difficult questions; there’s no getting away from that. You’re challenged and probed on certain decisions you’ve made, how we’ve ended up in certain scenarios.”
PIF’s decision to withdraw its multibillion dollar underwriting of LIV Golf prompted speculation that Newcastle’s owners could also turn the financial taps off at St James’ Park, but Howe was adamant this is not the case.
“The desire is unchanged,” he said. “It’s to get to the top of the Premier League, to try to win as many trophies as possible. I don’t think that will change while the PIF are our majority owners. They are very ambitious.
“The owners clearly care so much about the football club. It’s very exciting times ahead for the club, regardless of what happens short term. The long-term vision is clearly there.”
Howe is evidently desperate to remain part of that vision yet tacitly accepts he faces a four-game audition to reassure the board that, after almost five years in charge, he has not lost his touch. Newcastle have lost nine of the last 12 Premier League games and are only eight points above the relegation zone.
“I don’t need invigorating,” said Howe. “I’m invigorated. I think you learn a lot from these moments. Difficult runs force you to revaluate everything and improve. Sometimes the most disappointing moments are the times when you improve the most.”
The 48-year-old also hinted that he might be prepared to relinquish some of the considerable power he has been afforded in the recruitment sphere since taking charge on Tyneside. “If we can improve how we recruit players I’m all behind it,” said Howe. “I just want the best players at the lowest cost. That’s how the football club needs to work and, if we can find different ways to do that, I’m fully supportive.”
Asked if he was optimistic he would be Newcastle’s manager next season, How replied: “I have to retain that confidence. I don’t think it serves anyone not to have that long term vision … but we need to win games. From my side, we have to do better.”
