Eddie Howe has silenced his Newcastle United critics in recent weeks.
The Newcastle United manager was under pressure during a difficult winter period, as the Magpies’ injury crisis threatened to completely derail what had looked set to be a promising season.
There were plenty of rumours about possible replacements in the dugout, while pundits debated whether or not Eddie Howe was the right man for the job.
All the while, the British owners continued to back their man in the media, vowing that he would not be leaving St James’ Park any time soon.
Eddie Howe has relieved the pressure at Newcastle United
Howe has gone on to prove why, with an upturn in fortunes giving Newcastle United a chance of finishing as high as sixth in the Premier League. European football is still on the cards, and it could all come down to that massive game against Manchester Untied at Old Trafford on May 15th.
But even though Howe has proved a lot of people wrong and his job at Newcastle United is more than secure, that does not mean that his immediate future at St James’ Park is guaranteed.
That is according to Garth Crooks, who has spoke to BBC Sport about another job that could be offered to the former Bournemouth man in the coming weeks.
Garth Crooks makes Eddie Howe prediction
As part of his Premier League team of the week, Crooks has discussed the future of Eddie Howe at Newcastle United – because he very rarely just talks about the 11 players he has selected.
“Next season will be a pivotal moment for Eddie Howe and the Magpies,” he wrote.
“Newcastle will not be in the Champions League but they have proved themselves worthy of playing against the very best.
“However, should England not win the Euros with one of the best squads in recent years then Howe must be one of the very few English managers who could take over from Gareth Southgate. Watch this space.”
Howe has been tipped to manage England
Crooks does make an interesting point about Howe and the England job, and it is perhaps the only reason why the 46-year-old might not be at St James’ Park next season.
The likes of Alan Shearer have admitted that the Three Lions could come calling, and you have to imagine the England job will be available if Gareth Southgate fails to win the Euros.
Earlier this year, Geordie Boot Boys were told that Howe features on the FA’s list of potential Southgate replacements – in fact, he is near the top. That is unsurprising given what he has achieved on Tyneside, and it could lead to a very interesting summer.
It would be an absolute disaster if we were to lose Howe to international football, but it might be an opportunity that is too good to turn down. Alternatively, Howe might not have ambitions to manage his country and may see his long-term future at St James’ Park.
Hopefully it is the latter, as Howe will certainly be a leading candidate if the England job does become available in the near future.
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