Eddie Howe has expressed his unwavering commitment to Newcastle United, despite ongoing speculation linking him to the England men’s manager position. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, Howe emphasized his focus on Newcastle and his desire to bring long-term success to the club.
Howe is reportedly on the FA’s shortlist to replace Gareth Southgate, who resigned after England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. Addressing the speculation from Newcastle’s adidas training base in Germany, Howe stated, “England is not important at all. It’s all about Newcastle United… I feel passionately about bringing success here long-term.”
Amid significant changes at Newcastle, including the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth to Manchester United and board members Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, Howe acknowledged the need for a stable structure. He expressed confidence in the new setup, which includes Paul Mitchell as the new sporting director, but stressed the importance of clear boundaries and mutual support.
“My commitment to Newcastle is unwavering and it has been since I came to the football club,” Howe said. “As long as I have certain things for me – as in I’m happy, I’m allowed to work in the way I need to work in order to get the best out of me and I feel supported – then that will never change.”
Howe also highlighted his special relationship with Newcastle fans, expressing his gratitude for their support and his determination to win a trophy for them. “I’m so proud to be the manager. I’ve loved every single second of managing the club since I’ve been here. I can’t thank [the fans] enough for how they’ve welcomed me to the football club and supported me in good and bad moments,” he said.
When asked about the England job, Howe admitted to feeling patriotic but reiterated that his focus remains solely on Newcastle. “Whenever you’re linked with another job, it’s always a positive because it means you’re hopefully doing well with your club. But my only priority and thought has ever been Newcastle United,” he said.
As the FA continues its search for Southgate’s successor, it has advertised the England men’s manager vacancy, emphasizing the need for a candidate with a strong track record in the Premier League and/or international competitions. The deadline for applications is set for August 2, with England’s next game against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on September 7.
Credit: Sky Sports
