Newcastle United manager news: Pundit drops Eddie Howe sack claim
Speculation regarding sacking Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is “premature.”
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes the Magpies have had a good season under the manager, particularly given their injury issues.
Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, 10 points behind Spurs, having just beaten the North London club 4-0.
Hutton believes that display was a masterclass from Howe, whose squad has been “crippled” by injuries in recent times.
Hutton dismisses Howe sack talk at Newcastle United
The Magpies currently have 10 players out injured, including star players such as Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and Sven Botman, while Sandro Tonali is out through suspension.
Sources told Football Insider in February that Howe is not likely to face any sack pressure ahead of the new season.
“Let me tell you this, I think it is a bit premature,” he told Football Insider. “It is easy for everybody to jump on the bandwagon and say ‘alright, we’ve had an inconsistent season, it’s time for somebody else.’
“But they’ve done well. They’ve probably got into the Champions League sooner than they expected.
“They’ve got a very good squad, and injuries have absolutely crippled them this season. They’ve had to deal with a lot, and I think that’s where the inconsistency comes from, because you’re trying to constantly wheel out the same players week after week, and it’s difficult. So you’re going to have ups and downs.
“When you watch Spurs, you know the space is in behind, and if you can beat that press and get there then you’ll have a good game. If not, Spurs can hurt you because they can overrun you.
“But it was a masterclass from Newcastle, they weren’t scared to go forward quickly and use the pace that they’ve got up front, and it came up trumps for them.”
In other news, Five right-backs who could replace Kieran Trippier as offer lined up.
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