Steve Bruce leaves position as Newcastle head coach
Eddie Howe could transform Newcastle United's fortunes with his 'elite' style of management and insistence on playing on the front foot, according to interim boss Graeme Jones. Howe has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to assume the vacancy at St James' Park to replace Steve Bruce, who was axed by the club's new ownership group last month.
A number of high-profile names have been linked with the Newcastle job in recent weeks, including the likes of Frank Lampard, Paulo Fonseca and Unai Emery.
The latter was initially expected to take charge of the Magpies before publicly declaring his commitment to Villarreal, while Fonseca was ultimately passed up by the Tyneside club's board.
Howe has since established himself as the most likely candidate for the role and is expected to be confirmed as Newcastle's new manager over the next few days.
Meanwhile, Jones has been in charge of the club since Bruce's departure but was never seriously considered for the job on a permanent basis.
He is expected to stick around following Howe's appointment and has already waxed lyrical over the 43-year-old, who he faced on a few occasions during his time as a coach with Swansea City and Bournemouth.
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"Very pragmatic. They would pay attention to the off-the-ball aspect and only being as good as how you defend.
“Sessions were innovative, different, stimulating and detailed. That was Jason Tindall and his staff.
"I have a good idea what they stand for. If they do come in I know it was elite work."
It remains to be seen whether Howe will be successful upon his return to management at Newcastle after spending almost 18 months without a club.
He left Bournemouth after their relegation from the Premier League in the summer of 2020 and turned down the chance to manage Celtic earlier this year.
The club's new owners gave Bruce his marching orders last month (Image: EXPRESS)
Former England striker Kevin Phillips recently suggested that Newcastle could struggle to attract top players if they decide to appoint Howe, branding his expected arrival as a 'slight gamble' from the club's new owners.
"When you’re in a precarious position like Newcastle, it’s vital they get the appointment right because of where they are in the Premier League," Phillips told Football Insider.
"I think it’s got to be about staying in the league this season, and then they can build. A short-term manager would be a sensible option.
"Eddie Howe did great things at Bournemouth. It would be a massive move for him and a slight gamble from Newcastle’s perspective.
"He will need some players in January in order to keep them in the league, but the players he brings in will need to hit the ground running. That didn’t quite happen for some of the names at Bournemouth.
"If Newcastle want to make a statement, then they need a big name in world football."