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Howe steps down
Eddie Howe resigned as Newcastle United head coach with immediate effect, ending a tenure of more than four years at St James' Park.
“Newcastle United have confirmed that Eddie Howe has resigned as the club’s head coach”
Newcastle confirmed the decision on Friday, two days after a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday, and the club said it had accepted Howe’s decision to step down.
Howe, who was appointed in November 2021 after leaving Bournemouth, described the move as being in the best interests of himself and the club after “After a period of personal reflection,” and said he wanted to “recharge and take a break.”
In his farewell message, Howe said: “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.”
Jaissle lined up
Newcastle’s next appointment is Matthias Jaissle, with Sky Sports saying the club will appoint the German on Saturday after Howe’s exit was confirmed on Friday.
Sky Sports reported Newcastle agreed to pay £9.5m compensation to Saudi side Al Ahli for Jaissle, and said the 38-year-old will sign a four-year deal at St James' Park.
The club also confirmed departures of Howe’s coaching staff, including Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, and Dan Hodges, as Newcastle moved quickly to restructure ahead of the Premier League.
In an Instagram post, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes called Howe “King of this club!!” and wrote: “Thanks for everything you've done for us. I loved enjoying our time together.”
Next matches and stakes
Sky Sports said Jaissle’s first match in charge will be a pre-season friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla next Saturday, with the plan for him to meet players in Spain at their training camp in La Manga.
“Jaissle's first match in charge will be a pre-season friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla next Saturday”
The Reuters report cited by Global Banking & Finance Review said Howe leaves after five years in charge and will be replaced by Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle, with Sky Sports describing the decision as following discussions between Howe and Newcastle’s hierarchy over the last 48 hours.
ESPN said Howe’s exit came after Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season and after a 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat at Bristol City on Wednesday night.
As Newcastle prepares for the next Premier League campaign, the Mirror reported that Newcastle’s statement thanked Howe for his “extraordinary contribution,” while Sky Sports said the club’s plan was for Jaissle to sign a four-year contract and take over at St James' Park.