Newcastle likely to sack Paul Mitchell before colleague after bust-up – sources
Newcastle are more likely to part ways with sporting director Paul Mitchell before sacking Eddie Howe, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed there’s “no thinking or process going on” in terms of considering Howe’s future.
There are no other managers being lined up to replace the 46-year-old, and the Englishman is believed to be “pretty safe” right now at St. James’ Park.
There has been talk at the club that Mitchell would be the first casualty rather than Howe if there was going to be a significant change.
Tensions have risen between Howe and Mitchell in recent times, especially since an underwhelming summer transfer window.
Newcastle are set to back Eddie Howe
Howe has got “lots of credit in the bank” at the club right now and has the full backing of the Newcastle hierarchy.
The north east giants have been flying so far this season, having made an undefeated start to the campaign.
Newcastle United suffered a painful defeat at the hands of Fulham to suffer their first loss since last spring in the Premier League.
But their next loss won’t be too far away unless they buck up their ideas in the Premier League because it felt like complacency was creeping in at Craven Cottage. There’s no doubt Newcastle players will be fired up by criticism that comes flying in their direction after this one.
Perhaps it is fortunate that Eddie Howe won’t have time for a full inquest this week because getting into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup is now the main aim. Here’s some of things we noted after the 3-1 loss at the hands of Marco Silva’s men.
Harvey Barnes makes no excuses for poor display after being sent to face the TV cameras
Barnes was the only senior Newcastle star to face the media after the game with his second half goal at least offering hope of a comeback. But sadly it wasn’t to be and Newcastle lacked all of the things that have turned them into European contenders in the last few years.
After the game Barnes told BBC Match of the Day:”The basics weren’t there for us. Off the ball we were not as solid as we normally are and not as aggressive as we usually are on the ball. Our levels weren’t there.
