UPDATED: Howe steps down as Newcastle head coach

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the club with immediate effect, according to reports from BBC Sport on Thursday.

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The decision follows discussions between Howe and the club’s hierarchy, with sources indicating that the 48-year-old had been considering his future at St James’ Park in recent weeks.

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Howe came under pressure last season after Newcastle endured a difficult Premier League campaign, finishing 12th after losing 17 of their 38 league matches.

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His final game in charge was a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

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Sources close to the situation have suggested that Howe was surprised by Newcastle’s transfer activity this summer, although he understood the club’s need to sell players.

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Earlier this year, Howe had decided to remain at Newcastle despite the likelihood of player departures, but his position reportedly changed during the summer.

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Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson had previously insisted in March that the club were not considering a managerial change “at the moment”.

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Howe’s frustration reportedly increased following the departure of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool, despite Newcastle having spent around £240 million on new players 12 months earlier.

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The Magpies have also lost key figures this summer, with Sandro Tonali joining Tottenham and Anthony Gordon moving to Barcelona, while Arsenal continue to pursue captain Bruno Guimaraes.

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Howe replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle manager in November 2021 and played a major role in the club’s revival.

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He ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by guiding the club to victory in the 2025 Carabao Cup, while also securing Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025.

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Newcastle reached the last 16 of the Champions League last season before suffering an 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona. Their Carabao Cup defence ended in the semi-finals, while their league campaign fell short of expectations after finishing fifth in the 2024-25 season.

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During his time at Newcastle, Howe recorded 84 Premier League victories in 179 matches, alongside 38 draws and 57 defeats.

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He registered more Premier League wins than any other Newcastle manager, while his 46.9 per cent win percentage at the club is bettered only by Kevin Keegan.

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