Sky Sports analysts Gary Neville and Paul Merson have both come out in strong support of Eddie Howe’s position at Newcastle United, even though the club’s recent form has been far from impressive. A string of disappointing results has seen the Magpies tumble from any realistic hopes of European competition to a mid‑table spot that barely keeps them clear of the relegation zone.
The latest test came on Saturday when Newcastle faced Arsenal in the highly anticipated "Saturday Night Football" slot. Despite a noticeable improvement in their overall display, the visitors were still unable to turn the tide, succumbing to a 1‑0 defeat – their fourth consecutive loss in the Premier League. The outcome has intensified the scrutiny on Howe, who now finds himself under significant pressure as the team sits 14th in the league table with just 42 points, a mere six points above the bottom three. Nevertheless, both pundits argue that Howe should not be rushed out the door.
Merson, in particular, went as far as to suggest that if Howe were to depart, Chelsea would be lining up around the corner to secure his services, adding that the London club would be willing to take him "all day long." He also hinted at the possibility of Howe being considered for the England managerial role in the future, emphasizing the high regard in which he is held across the English football community. "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 during the broadcast. "Chelsea would take him all day long.
We were talking about him being the next England manager. Everyone will be queueing 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 similar sentiments, urging Newcastle to think long‑term and to keep faith in Howe as they plan for the next season.
He believes the club should already be working on squad development and that Howe has the capability to guide the Magpies back into Champions League contention. On his recent podcast recorded at the Emirates, Neville described the current campaign as "really disappointing" and pointed to the summer transfer window as a key factor in the club’s struggles.
He noted that the acquisitions of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have yet to deliver the expected impact, leaving the squad thin in crucial areas. "I think full faith and trust in Eddie Howe is the way to go," Neville asserted. "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." He went on to stress that losing Howe would be a massive blow, describing him as an "eight‑and‑a‑half out of 10 manager" – a rare blend of reliability, consistency, and a commendable attitude.
Neville imagines a scenario where the club sits down with Howe to map out the next season’s transfer targets, aiming to secure several new signings early while the football world is still preoccupied with the upcoming World Cup. "They're a really good side, I like watching them and they're going to 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 there and I think he'll get them back up challenging for Champions League next season," Neville concluded.
Howe himself confirmed that a meeting with Newcastle’s board is scheduled for the week, describing it as a routine part of the club’s annual planning, albeit a slightly more challenging one given the current circumstances. He expressed optimism about the discussion, stating, "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." Mid‑fielder Bruno Guimarães also weighed in, offering a candid assessment of the team’s season.
While he praised the brief spark of passion shown against Arsenal, he admitted that overall the performance was insufficient. "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," Guimarães told Sky Sports. He highlighted the need for a swift turnaround in the remaining four games if Newcastle hopes to secure a place in European competition for next year. The Brazilian international expressed empathy for the fans, acknowledging their disappointment and the inconsistency that has plagued the squad.
"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," he said. Guimarães also noted that the team’s underlying potential remains, pointing to the quality of training sessions and the evident fire within the squad. However, he warned that passion alone will not suffice; the players must translate that energy into consistent results.
"[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," he explained. When asked about the prospect of new signings, Guimarães was cautiously hopeful, acknowledging that while he cannot comment in detail, the club certainly needs reinforcement across the board. "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," he added. In summary, despite a challenging run of form and mounting pressure, both Gary Neville and Paul Merson argue that Eddie Howe remains a valuable asset for Newcastle United.
They advise the club’s hierarchy to maintain confidence in his leadership, to plan strategically for the upcoming transfer window, and to back him fully in the quest to restore the Magpies to the upper echelons of English football. The consensus among the pundits and players alike is clear: stability, strategic recruitment, and unwavering support for Howe could pave the way for a resurgence that sees Newcastle once again competing for Champions League spots in the near future.