Challenging times ahead for Newcastle - Shearer

What the report says

BBC Sport published a column by Alan Shearer, the Match of the Day pundit and former Newcastle United striker, reacting to Eddie Howe’s departure as Newcastle manager. Shearer said Howe would remain a major figure in the club’s modern history after leading Newcastle to the 2025 Carabao Cup, describing that Wembley win as the moment that ended a long wait for a major trophy.

Shearer credited Howe with transforming Newcastle after taking over in November 2021, when the club were 19th in the Premier League and five points from safety after 11 matches. He noted that Howe kept them up and then delivered finishes of fourth, seventh and fifth in the following three seasons, including Champions League nights. Even last season’s 12th-place finish, Shearer argued, reflected how expectations had risen under Howe.

The former England captain said the timing of Howe’s exit, three weeks into pre-season and three weeks before the Premier League’s return, was the most surprising aspect. He linked his concern to Newcastle losing key players, naming Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, and to uncertainty around Bruno Guimaraes. He also pointed to missed transfer targets, saying the club’s recruitment difficulties and player sales had created a worrying picture.

Shearer said Newcastle appear to be shifting from a strategy built around competing quickly for major honours toward one focused on younger, developing players. BBC Sport reported that Matthias Jaissle is expected to get the job; Shearer said the Premier League would be a difficult environment even for an experienced coach.