Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has thanked Eddie Howe for delivering “the best day” of his life as a Magpies supporter following the shock news that the head coach has left St. James’ Park and put an end to his tenure in Tyneside.
Howe’s exit, first reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, comes less than three weeks before the start of the new Premier League season, with Matthias Jaissle expected to replace him.
Reacting to the news, per Betfair, Shearer admitted the timing caught him completely
off guard, and he voiced concern over the club’s direction after the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, while Bruno Guimaraes continues to be linked with Arsenal and is now more than likely to go following Howe out of Tyneside.
“I’m very, very surprised with the news that Eddie Howe is leaving Newcastle,” Shearer said. “I guess it’s strange timing with three weeks to go until the new season kicks off. I’m led to believe it was Eddie’s decision to leave.
“I don’t think it’s a great look for what’s happening at the minute with Newcastle… What I would like is stability. I would like to keep hold of our better players.”
The club’s all-time leading scorer paid tribute to Howe’s achievements, including ending Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, with his words.
“What I would say is thank you. Thank you to Eddie for what he’s given us,” Shearer said. “He gave me my best day as a Newcastle fan with that day at Wembley… He did a wonderful job for Newcastle, so it’s a huge thank you to Eddie.”
Shearer also urged supporters to be patient with Matthias Jaissle as he takes over the managerial role on St. James’ Park’s touchline.
“The Premier League is a beast of a league,” Shearer said. “It’s a big ask for anyone to come in and take over after what Eddie’s done.”
