Eddie Howe has now resigned as Newcastle United manager.
Still awaiting official confirmation but the news has been reported across the media on Thursday morning.
With Matthias Jaissle now said to be the imminent replacement.
When such news breaks, it often puts a very different complexion on what has been said previously.
Which brings me to Eddie Howe.
Last night Newcastle United played a friendly at Bristol City and lost 4-1, a strange game where United controlled most of it and the stats (NUFC possession of over 70%), corners 16 v 1 in Newcastle’s favour, more shots etc) back that up. However, poor defending and a lack of cutting edge and inspiration at the other end leading to that scoreline.
A lot of players still not available, at least 11 unable to be involved against Bristol City.
Now Eddie Howe won’t be around to see them return. Indeed, the media reporting that Eddie Howe made the decision some time ago and has been holding the fort until the new bloke was ready to come in.
What the (now former…) Newcastle United manager had to say though after the Bristol City match now sounds very poignant.
Eddie Howe telling the media last night: “There has been a lot of upheaval at the football club, with potentially more to come…I think there is always reasons to be optimistic and that is very much my default setting. I believe great things are possible every season with a real buzz of what is ahead. I see no reasons to be any different this year. Every day as Newcastle United manager is a great day for me, I absolutely love Newcastle United and that will never change.”