Eddie Howe explains decision to leave Newcastle United in emotional statement

Eddie Howe has explained his decision to leave his position as Newcastle United’s head coach, sharing a lengthy and emotional statement with fans of the club.

Thursday brought the news that Howe would be leaving St James’s Park, seemingly by mutual consent, and the timing of the announcement proved surprising – given it came two months after the end of the previous Premier League season, and just three weeks before the impending one.

Howe’s exit was not actually confirmed by Newcastle until Friday afternoon, when the club issued a statement that also revealed the departure of Howe’s coaching staff.

open image in gallery

Now-former Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe (PA)

And Howe, 48, shared his own words, reflecting on a tenure that began in 2021 and brought Champions League football, as well as Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years: the 2025 Carabao Cup.

“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,” said Howe.

“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. It is difficult to put into words what this club, the city and its supporters mean, and will always mean, to me and my family.

“From the moment myself, Jason [Tindall, assistant coach] and all of the staff arrived nearly half a decade ago, Newcastle instantly felt like home and the people here welcomed us with open arms. We took huge pride in representing the club from day one and this city will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

“There have been so many incredible moments in our time here. From fighting relegation in our first season to the numerous unforgettable nights at St James’s Park in the Champions League soon after. The progression was fast.

“Everyone came together, united and what a force we became, culminating in bringing home our first domestic trophy in 70 years. These are all memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Howe led Newcastle to a 2025 Carabao Cup triumph, the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years (Getty)

“I would like to put on record my sincere thanks and appreciation to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie Reuben, Jacobo Solís and everyone at PIF, David Hopkinson, Ross Wilson and the entire ownership and leadership group for placing their trust in me and for giving me the opportunity to lead this special football club.

“I remain incredibly positive and enthusiastic about the future of Newcastle. The club is in fantastic hands with a great leadership team and I have no doubt together, alongside whoever comes in to replace me, they will continue to deliver success on the pitch.

“Thank you to Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, Dan Hodges, Andy Howe and Jordan Tribe for their incredible loyalty, support and dedication, and to all of the amazing staff behind the scenes whose hard work and loyalty makes this club what it is.

“A special thank you to all of the players who have represented the club during my time here. Without you, nothing would have been possible and it’s been an honour to have coached you all.

“Finally, and most importantly, thank you to our incredible supporters. Your passion and loyalty have inspired me every single day. To stand on the touchline at St James’s Park as your manager with the honour of representing your club has meant more to me than you will ever know.

Howe with assistant coach Jason Tindall (Getty)

“While my journey as manager has now come to an end, the affinity and love I will always hold for Newcastle United never will. Thank you for everything. I wish the club every success for the future.”

The club itself began its own statement: “Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe has informed the club of his decision to step down as head coach. The club has accepted Eddie’s decision and would like to thank him for his extraordinary contribution.”

The statement ended: “The process to recruit a new head coach is at an advanced stage and updates will be communicated shortly.” It has widely been reported that Matthias Jaissle, coach of PIF-owned Saudi club Al-Ahli, will replace Howe.

Howe’s spell at Newcastle followed an eight-year stint at Bournemouth – his second at the club, for whom he previously played. Last season proved difficult for Newcastle under Howe, as they finished 12th in the Premier League, and the summer transfer window has not necessarily been kind to the squad.

Newcastle have lost key players Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, while there has reportedly been interest in captain Bruno Guimaraes from champions Arsenal. Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Aaron Ramsdale have also left St James’s Park.

There have not been any big-name additions, either, although the club has reportedly spent a combined £111m on Bazoumana Toure, Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen.