Eddie Howe steps down as Newcastle United manager after five years

Eddie Howe has resigned as head coach of Newcastle United after nearly five years in charge, following a frustrating campaign that saw the club finish 12th in the Premier League.

The 48-year-old manager led the Magpies to two Champions League qualifications and guided them to victory in the 2024-25 Carabao Cup, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.

“After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role,” Howe said in a statement. “After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.”

Howe’s coaching staff—Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, and Simon Weatherstone—along with head of performance Dan Hodges, will also depart St James’ Park.

Squad turmoil and spending constraints

Howe took charge in November 2021, steering Newcastle away from relegation to an 11th-place finish before establishing them in Europe. Last season, the club reached the Champions League last 16 before losing to Barcelona. However, domestic form slumped, with 17 Premier League defeats leaving Newcastle without European football for the upcoming season.

His departure comes amid a turbulent summer for the squad. Newcastle have lost Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, while captain Bruno Guimaraes has expressed a desire to join Premier League champions Arsenal.

The club also faced frustration in the transfer market following the exit of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record £125m fee. Howe’s final game in charge was a 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat against Bristol City on Wednesday.

Newcastle Chief Executive David Hopkinson expressed gratitude for Howe’s tenure, noting he leaves with a “lasting place in the club’s history”.

The club said the search for a successor is at an advanced stage, with former Red Bull Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle emerging as the favourite to take over.