Eddie Howe was in little mood to blame the Newcastle United supporters for booing the team against Brentford on Saturday night.
A bad week got even worse for Newcastle United at St James’ Park as Brentford tore them apart for the second time this season.
In truth, the 3-2 scoreline was kind on the Magpies. They looked ragged throughout and were deservedly booed off at the break.
They did threaten to rally but it’s not enough to appease a large section of the fanbase who will undoubtedly have seen this coming.
Though the season hasn’t been a disaster in terms of results, only a few more losses would turn the dial on that. In terms of performances, it has been.
It’s genuinely difficult to remember that many times in which Newcastle impressed and actually won a game, at least in the Premier League.
Howe is starting to get criticism from supporters, but he accepted that when speaking to the media on Saturday night.
Eddie Howe reacts as Newcastle United team booed by their own fans
The Newcastle United manager was asked about the jeers at the full-time whistle.
Howe fronted up, which a cynic would suggest is the least he can do in this situation.
His side have been torn apart in three consecutive games now, after all.
Indeed, he admitted that the supporters were merely reacting to what the team were putting out on the pitch, and that he had little issue with that.
Speaking to the media after the game, he said: “I think if we perform, the crowd will back us and they’ll be with us every step of the way. And I’ve got no issue with their reaction today. They’re reacting to what we deliver.”
Eddie Howe’s reaction is what Newcastle United fans want to hear
No one wants to be in this position, of course.
Still, it is much better to hear the manager being honest about what his side are delivering.
For too long, Newcastle fans have been told that there’s nothing wrong. That this is just part of the teething process in the wake of Alexander Isak’s departure. That they’ve played well when they clearly haven’t.
That is ignoring the issue, however. The summer of recruitment just wasn’t good enough and it’s not having a huge impact on the pitch.
Does anyone seriously expect further progress in the FA Cup, given they face a daunting trip to Aston Villa in the third round? That would seem unlikely.
Even if Newcastle get past Qarabag in the Champions League play-offs, progress after that feels out of the question based on current performances.
However one feels about booing is a personal decision. The performances, though, leave the team open to it.