Eddie Howe gives another response on leaving Newcastle and managing England that got people talking. The FA will have to take note!
Eddie Howe has reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to Newcastle United, asserting that he will continue his mission at the club as long as he receives the necessary support. The 46-year-old manager was quickly named among the top contenders to replace Gareth Southgate as England’s head coach after Southgate announced his resignation following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Despite this speculation, Howe, who has been leading Newcastle since November 2021, maintains that his focus remains on his current role, provided he is allowed to work in a manner he believes best serves the club, especially after a transformative summer on Tyneside. Speaking from the Magpies’ training camp in Germany, Howe told Sky Sports News: “It’s been a strange one for me because I’ve been absolutely cut off from it. Fortunately, I’m out here, so it’s only through a mobile phone or someone telling me something that you hear about it. My commitment to Newcastle is unwavering, and it has been since I came to the football club. As long as I have certain things for me – as in I’m happy, I’m allowed to work in the way I need to work in order to get the best out of me and I feel supported – then that will never change.”
Howe’s insistence on these conditions is understandable, given the significant changes at Newcastle. Key figures Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, who facilitated the Saudi-backed consortium’s takeover from Mike Ashley, have departed, and a new football board has been established. Paul Mitchell has taken over as sporting director, and James Bunce has been appointed as performance director. Howe hopes that the dynamics which helped him steer Newcastle away from relegation and into the Champions League in his first full season will not shift dramatically, despite a slightly disappointing seventh-place finish last season.
“There’s been so much change that we need a period of time to know how we’re all going to work and set the boundaries,” Howe continued. “It’s for the benefit of Newcastle, not for the benefit of me because the club’s the most important thing in all of this. England is not important at all. It’s all about Newcastle United Football Club. I’m so proud to be the manager. I’ve loved every single second of managing the club since I’ve been here. I feel passionately about bringing success here long term.”
Howe’s statements came as the Football Association (FA) released a job profile outlining the qualities needed for the next England manager. The FA disclosed that it had already identified several candidates, with former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter being a notable contender. The governing body emphasized that the application process is open to anyone meeting the specified criteria, with August 2 set as the deadline for applications.
The FA’s profile for the role highlights the need for a leader who can develop the England senior men’s team to win major tournaments and consistently rank among the world’s top teams. The ideal candidate must also provide inspirational leadership to the FA’s technical team and foster strong relationships with clubs employing English-qualified players. Essential qualifications include holding a UEFA Pro Licence, substantial experience in English football, and a proven track record of success in the Premier League and/or international competitions. Additionally, the profile calls for an “exceptional leader” who is “highly resilient” and comfortable with intense public scrutiny. The candidate should be capable of creating a high-performing, positive team culture and possess strong personal values and integrity, understanding the role the England team plays in inspiring the nation. The FA concluded by affirming its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals.