Eddie Howe left Matfen Hall on Thursday convinced that the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 85 percent of Newcastle United, continues to stand firmly behind the club’s long‑term ambition to become a world‑class side. The 48‑year‑old manager had just finished a comprehensive review of a season that fell short of expectations, and he used the occasion to reflect on his recent conversations with the owners.
During what he described as "constructive" discussions with Yasir Al‑Rumayyan – the chairman of both PIF and Newcastle – Howe was reassured that the fund’s commitment to the project remains unchanged. Those talks coincided with the Saudis’ announcement that they will cease funding LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, a venture that has already absorbed more than $5 billion (about £3.7 billion). While the decision to pull out of LIV Golf underscores a shift in the fund’s broader investment strategy, it does not appear to affect the financial backing earmarked for the football club. When asked whether he had received any explicit guarantees about future funding, Howe replied honestly: "No, and I didn't seek any either.
But what did come through was a clear determination to succeed and to keep growing the club in every dimension." He went on to stress that the owners’ desire to reach the summit of the Premier League and to compete for trophies on a regular basis remains intact. "I don’t think that will change while PIF are the majority owners. They are very ambitious for the football club," Howe said. He acknowledged that the club’s infrastructure projects – such as stadium upgrades, training‑ground enhancements, and other long‑term investments – cannot be completed overnight.
"A lot of things they need to do to elevate the club will take a bit of time. We are going back to the stadium, the training ground; these things don’t happen with the click of a finger because everything is interlinked to income," he explained. The manager added that, although everyone wants to fast‑track progress, the right decisions often require patience and careful planning. Regarding the nature of his annual meetings with the ownership group, Howe said that challenging questions are a routine part of the dialogue, regardless of the club’s league position.
"Those meetings, I’ve had every year, regardless of where we finish, where you’re challenged and probed on certain decisions, on how we ended up in particular scenarios, and then you explain the process behind it," he noted. This season, the questions were inevitably tougher because of Newcastle’s current standing – 14th in the Premier League, eight points off the European places and the same distance from the relegation zone. Yet Howe insisted that the tone remained constructive, reflecting the owners’ genuine care for the club’s long‑term planning across multiple levels. He expressed optimism about the future, saying, "It’s very exciting times ahead for the club, regardless of what happens short‑term.
The long‑term vision is clearly there." Howe’s tenure has already delivered significant milestones: he has guided Newcastle back into the Champions League on two occasions and ended a 70‑year wait for a major domestic trophy. However, he candidly admitted that this season’s league form has been below the standards he set for the team, a point that was evident during Thursday’s discussions. The manager’s own future has become a hot topic after a run of nine defeats in twelve Premier League matches, leaving the Magpies in the mid‑table. While a forthcoming clash with Brighton at St James’ Park could prove decisive for his job security, Howe emphasized that his focus remains on the club’s progress rather than personal speculation.
"I’ve never needed clarity in my head about the future – I’m here, I’m working and I’m committed. A football club has to do what a football club has to do," he said. "The club needs to see we are moving in the right direction, there’s a positive feeling and fighting on all fronts. Talk as much as you want, but the proof is in how the team performs." He stressed that he does not feel the need for a motivational boost because his energy levels are already high.
"I’m invigorated. My motivation levels are really high. I think you learn a lot from these moments we are in. Difficult runs force you to re‑evaluate everything and improve.
Sometimes the most disappointing moments are when you improve the most," Howe reflected. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining confidence in his own position, stating, "I have to retain that confidence that I’ll be here next season. It doesn’t serve anybody not to have that long‑term vision, but we need to win games." The manager praised the unity within the club, yet reminded everyone that results are essential. "I’m under no illusion – I have to get results to keep that feeling and that trust.
It’s a responsibility that comes with the job," he added. In terms of squad availability, midfielder Joelinton is set to return after serving a two‑match ban, and winger Anthony Gordon could be back from a hip‑flexor injury soon. Their returns could provide a much‑needed boost as Newcastle looks to climb the table.
External voices have also weighed in. Sky Sports analyst Paul Merson expressed admiration for Howe, suggesting that if he were to depart, top clubs would line up to sign him. "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," Merson said, adding that Howe’s trophy win broke a 70‑year drought for the club. Former England defender Gary Neville, also a Sky Sports pundit, defended Howe despite the recent dip in form. He lamented the club’s transfer dealings over the summer, noting that signings such as Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have yet to deliver the expected impact. Nevertheless, Neville argued that maintaining faith in Howe is the right approach, emphasizing the manager’s reliability, consistency, and strong attitude.
He urged the club’s hierarchy to back Howe fully, plan the squad for the upcoming season early, and give him the resources needed to challenge for Champions League places again. Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie summarized the atmosphere after Howe’s press conference, noting that the majority owners appeared supportive and understanding of the season’s difficulties. Downie highlighted Howe’s repeated emphasis that he does not need clarity on his future or a reinvigoration, but also acknowledged that the manager’s future remains uncertain until the summer.
With four games left and a recent string of defeats, Howe reiterated his belief that the team must start winning immediately. "He may have the backing of PIF for now, but he knows that won’t last forever if Newcastle keep losing football matches," Downie warned. In summary, Eddie Howe left the Matfen Hall meeting with a reinforced belief that the Public Investment Fund remains committed to Newcastle United’s ambitious project, even as the club navigates a challenging league campaign. The manager’s focus stays on improving performance, maintaining unity, and delivering results that align with the long‑term vision set by the owners.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both the team’s standing in the Premier League and the future direction of Howe’s tenure at the club.