Eddie Howe leaving Newcastle United.
The shock news reported on Thursday morning.
Eddie Howe leaving two and a half weeks into pre-season.
Only three and a half weeks until the Premier League season kicks off for Newcastle United against Liverpool on Sunday 23 August.
Matthias Jaissle now expected to be confirmed very quickly as the new man.
So what has happened with Eddie Howe, what is the inside story?
Keith Downie covers Newcastle United for Sky Sports and he has now given valuable insight about the Eddie Howe resignation: “The decision had nothing to do with last night’s friendly defeat [at Bristol City], it had been in the pipeline for two weeks. Howe gave his full commitment at the end of the season, but has changed his mind. He is now set to take a break from football. Howe wanted the club to have a replacement lined up before he left. Al-Ahli’s Matthias Jessle is in advanced talks to take over.”
The man from Sky Sports going on to say: “This is Eddie Howe’s decision, the club tried to convince be him to stay but have reluctantly accepted his decision. Howe feels he has taken it as far as he can after nearly 5 years at the helm — the second longest serving PL manager. No acrimony, the club love him, and think he’s done an amazing job. I’m told Eddie Howe is very emotional about the decision and the easy decision would be to stay. It’s been a very difficult decision to make. But he’s given it everything.”
Keith Downie adding: “The players hadn’t been told this morning. They are on a day off today. The squad are set to fly out to Spain for a pre-season training camp tomorrow. This is not ideal timing as far as the club are concerned but they are moving swiftly to try and replace Eddie Howe.”