Multiple reports have now claimed that Eddie Howe is set to stay on as Newcastle United manager – and that clarity is good for the club.
According to both The Athletic and BBC Sport – two of the most reputable outlets in the national media – Howe will remain as Newcastle United manager next season.
The news comes amid mounting doubts from Newcastle fans on whether Howe is the right man for the job.
A reasonably lucky win over Brighton is unlikely to settle that debate. However, with supporters searching for clarity, at least it has finally arrived.
Howe to stay on as Newcastle manager
According to The Athletic, there is an acceptance that this season cannot be repeated. However, he retains backing from PIF after productive talks.
BBC Sport, meanwhile, suggest that Howe is considered part of the solution as Newcastle look to rebuild following a disappointing season.
Owners PIF needed to take decisive action and while there hasn’t been an official statement about Howe keeping his job, the strength of the reports are perhaps as good as one at this stage.
At least a decision has seemingly been made. For so long, radio silence from the ownership proved as frustrating as what was actually happening on the pitch.
PIF’s next steps for Howe after keeping him
Newcastle plan to revamp their transfer structure this summer, which feels wise.
Last summer’s recruitment was poor and Howe has taken a lot of blame for that from supporters, with some believing he simply has too much power.
The club – Howe included – needed to prove that was an abnormality more than anything else. Prior to last summer, Newcastle’s recruitment had generally been good in the PIF era.
Howe must be backed in the transfer market, and Howe must work alongside an overarching structure on that front. Both of those things can be true at the same time.
Clarity was needed and clarity has finally arrived to a certain extent. At least everyone knows where they stand.