'The privilege of my lifetime': Howe steps down as Newcastle manager

Ali Pollock

Updated

Eddie Howe has left his role at NewcastleREUTERS

Eddie Howe has left his role as manager of Newcastle United after over four years with the club.

The Englishman joined the Magpies in November 2021 and guided them out of a relegation battle before establishing the club as European contenders in the following seasons.

Howe managed Newcastle to two separate Champions League campaigns and oversaw their first trophy in 56 years when they lifted the EFL Cup in 2025.

His departure comes after a lacklustre follow-up season - with Newcastle failing to find consistency in the Premier League and being eliminated from both cup competitions, while also crashing out of the Champions League following an 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona.

“After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United," 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.

“Although it’s been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it’s the right one. I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here and this one is no different.

“It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United."

The Magpies had initially backed Howe to go againt in the 2026/27 campaign, but the Englishman has left his role at the club following a turbulent pre-season and transfer window.

Newcastle were thrashed 4-1 by Championship side Bristol City in a friendly on Wednesday evening and have had a shift in focus in the summer market, signing young European talents after the departures of key players like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.

Their summer has also been tainted by ongoing speculation over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, who is heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

Newcastle confirmed that the departure is Howe's decision, with the manager looking to take a break from coaching.

Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle is rumoured to be his potential replacement.