Sky Sports analysts Gary Neville and Paul Merson have both come out in support of Eddie Howe, the Newcastle United manager, even though the Magpies have endured a string of disappointing results that have seen them tumble from the fringes of European contention to the lower half of the Premier League table. Newcastle managed to put in a noticeably better display against Arsenal on Saturday night during the Sky Sports program "Saturday Night Football," yet they still suffered a 1-0 defeat, marking their fourth consecutive loss in the league.
The defeat has intensified the scrutiny on Howe, who now finds himself under considerable pressure as the club sit 14th with 42 points, a mere six points above the relegation zone. Despite the bleak statistics, neither Neville nor Merson believes that Howe should be dismissed.
In fact, Merson went so far as to suggest that Chelsea would be eager to hire him immediately as they continue their search for a permanent manager. "I'm a big fan of Eddie Howe and if he leaves, they will be queuing up around the corner. Be careful Newcastle," Merson said on the broadcast. "Chelsea would take him all day long.
We were even talking about him being the next England manager. Everyone will be lining up to take him. It should be his decision if he wants to leave.
He won a trophy for the club for the first time in 70 years." Neville echoed this sentiment, urging Newcastle to start planning for the next season and to give Howe the resources he needs to guide the Magpies back into Champions League contention. During his appearance on "The Gary Neville Podcast" recorded at the Emirates over the weekend, the former Manchester United defender said, "It's a really disappointing season. The transfer business at the end of the summer window was a real problem for them. They ended up with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa and that's just not paid off yet.
I think full faith and trust in Eddie Howe is the way to go. They've got a really good manager. Where at some clubs it's easier to say 'let's shift the manager and keep the players because they've got five or six-year contracts', it's absolutely the other way around at Newcastle." Neville continued, "They will be thinking 'if we lost him, we've lost an eight-and-a-half out of ten manager, someone who's a solid performer – reliable, consistent, with a great attitude.' I hope they're sitting down with Eddie Howe, going through the squad, and he's saying 'these are the players I want, these are the ones I need to bring in for next season, I want to add four or five quality signings and get the business done early while everyone's thinking about the World Cup.' They are a really good side, I enjoy watching them and they need to back their manager properly, buy into him, back him. That's what I'd do if I were Newcastle because I think they've got one of the very best managers and I think he'll get them back up challenging for the Champions League next season." Howe is scheduled to meet with Newcastle's board this week.
When Sky Sports asked him about the upcoming talks, he replied, "These are things we always have every year. This one will be slightly harder for me, I'm sure, but it'll be good to meet with the owners and discuss the future." Midfielder Bruno Guimarães offered a candid assessment of Newcastle's campaign, acknowledging that the team finally displayed genuine passion in the narrow loss to title‑chasing Arsenal. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "This reminded me a little bit of what we are able to do but, to be fair, it's not good enough, our season, I know it.
We have four games to save it and at least try to qualify for European football next season. I know the fans are very sad – the same as we are – and definitely we have to improve." Guimarães added, "The spark is still there somewhere, if you see the way we train well. We fought well today but this season we have been bouncing between a good game and a bad game.
It's not what we want and it's not what the fans deserve. I can see the fire is still there but we have to show more because it's not good enough. It's not easy with a team that's fighting for the trophy.
At least today we showed passion but, overall, not good enough." When asked whether he hoped the club would bring in fresh faces after a grueling schedule across multiple competitions, Guimarães responded, "I hope so. I cannot comment too much as I'm just a player but I think we have to improve a lot of things in the club. We need help." Both pundits stressed that the club's immediate priority should be to stabilize performances, reinforce weak areas identified during the summer transfer window, and give Howe the backing to implement his long‑term vision.
They highlighted that Newcastle's recent signings, such as Woltemade and Wissa, have yet to deliver the expected impact, underscoring the need for smarter recruitment. Neville pointed out that Newcastle's financial position allows them to act decisively in the market, provided they align their spending with Howe's tactical philosophy. He suggested that targeting players with high work‑rate, versatility, and the ability to fit into Howe's high‑pressing system could rejuvenate the squad.
Merson, meanwhile, emphasized the broader implications of losing Howe, noting that other top clubs would likely swoop in. "If Newcastle let him go, you can bet Chelsea, maybe even Manchester City, would line up for him. It's not just about the manager; it's about the identity he has built here," he said.
The consensus from both former players is clear: Newcastle must resist the temptation to make a knee‑jerk managerial change. Instead, they should double down on Howe's proven track record, invest wisely in the transfer market, and give the manager the time required to turn the season around.
With the right support, there is optimism that the Magpies can climb back up the table, re‑ignite their European ambitions, and perhaps, as Neville mused, challenge for a Champions League spot next season.