Shearer shares honest take on Howe’s Newcastle exit and selling best players

Alan Shearer has expressed his true gratitude to Eddie Howe for the work he's done at his beloved Newcastle United after news emerged of his impending departure.

It suddenly emerged on Thursday morning that Howe would be leaving his role as Magpies boss, which sees his five-year spell at St James’ Park come to an end.

Wednesday night saw Newcastle suffer a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in their second pre-season friendly of the summer, in what will be Howe’s final match in charge of the club.

As reported by Chronicle Live, Howe informed his backroom staff of his decision to leave Newcastle after the squad returned to Tyneside from their Bristol flight, and the 48-year-old’s replacement is set to be Matthias Jaissle.

Howe is expected to depart having claimed one major honour during his tenure at St James' Park, with the Magpies lifting the Carabao Cup in the 2024/25 season.

Newcastle sealed a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, bringing an end to the club's 70-year wait for a major piece of silverware.

Shearer took to social media to post a photograph of Howe holding the Carabao Cup following their triumph over Liverpool at Wembley in 2025, accompanied by a heartfelt message to the departing boss.

"Thanks Eddie. You gave us this day," Shearer wrote in his social media post.

The Newcastle legend went on to voice his surprise at Howe's forthcoming departure, adding a further message to the outgoing manager.

"I’m very, very surprised with the news that Eddie Howe is leaving Newcastle," Shearer told Betfair. "I guess it's strange timing with three weeks to go until the new season kicks off.

"I don't know what's gone on, whether it was the end of last season, whether it was the summer, whether he feels they can't continue to sell his best players. I’m led to believe it was Eddie’s decision to leave."

He added: "What I would say is thank you. Thank you to Eddie for what he's given us. I mean, he gave me my best day as a Newcastle fan with that day at Wembley. He's given us some incredible nights in the Champions League that we'll never ever forget.

"He did a wonderful job for Newcastle, so it’s a huge thank you to Eddie.

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"It's been an incredible ride. I think the job that he did was unbelievable from where he took us when he came, there was a real threat of relegation. He steadied the ship.

"He then got us climbing the league. He then brought in some wonderful players. He then took us to a final; we got beaten in that final, but then took us back again and gave us the day that we've so craved for.

"I've been to Wembley as a player and lost. I've been to Wembley as a fan and lost. But I've also had the pleasure of going to Wembley and winning thanks to Eddie. Whatever happens now, the Geordies will always be grateful for what he gave us that day."

The announcement of Howe's departure follows the club's first two pre-season friendlies of the summer, with the Magpies also being held to a 1-1 draw against Gateshead last week.

Uncertainty also continues to surround the future of Bruno Guimaraes, who is being heavily linked with a switch to Arsenal this summer.

Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, while Alexander Isak also left the club nearly 12 months ago.

Howe was quizzed about Guimaraes' prospects at Newcastle less than 24 hours before news broke of his own imminent exit.

"What will be, will be,” Howe said after the defeat to Bristol City. “We can’t control the forces that are at play here, we’ve just got to make sure that when Bruno comes back, we look after him and he trains well, which I’m sure he will do.

"And he makes a difference as he always has done."