The end for Eddie Howe can only prompt sadness. There is no jubilation. He is not despised or berated by the vast majority of Newcastle United supporters, but adored for what he made them: winners.
It has been Howeβs problem β which is not the same as being his fault, certainly not entirely β that the Newcastle he created feels like a distant memory. On Wednesday night, they lost a friendly match to Championship side Bristol City 4-1.
After that game, Howe said: βEvery day that Iβm Newcastle manager is a great day for me. I absolutely love the football club and that will never change.β He knew, however.
Like Kevin Keegan, Howe changed the way Newcastle felt about itself as a football club. Like Keegan, he led them with integrity and distinction. Like Keegan, Howe gave everything of himself until there was nothing more to give.
π @GeorgeCaulkin
Free to read: https://t.co/9BWnHIxvO3
A special journey that led to silverware for Kieran Trippier and @NUFC, the club's first since 1955 π
The defender's heartfelt farewell as he confirms heβll leave the club at the end of the season π€π€
Promised myself I'd keep my head down, but I can't.
If some of you can't see that 2 champions league campaigns and an actual trophy, the best day of our lives, doesn't buy you the time to put it right? Then I'm at a loss. I really am. π€π€