Newcastle United chief gives cautious Eddie Howe update after Sunderland derby defeat | OneFootball

Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson says there are no immediate plans to replace head coach Eddie Howe after a damaging Tyne-Wear derby loss. He stopped short of guaranteeing Howe will stay beyond this season.

Sunderland Echo reports that Hopkinson, speaking as the club published its latest accounts, expects a strong run-in and says discussions about the future will wait. He added the club are not considering a change and are focused on the final seven matches.

Pressure on Howe increased with the 2-1 derby defeat, settled late by Brian Brobbey, after which Howe and his players were booed off. The setback followed a bruising European exit in Barcelona and a league campaign that has stuttered despite progress to the Champions League knockouts and deep runs in both domestic cups.

Newcastle return to Premier League action in 12th, seven points off fifth, the position they achieved last season. Missing out on Europe could affect finances and squad planning.

The accounts cover the 12 months to June 30, 2025, a season without European football in which the club ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. Profit after tax was £34.7m, aided by a 44 per cent rise in commercial revenue, as turnover climbed £15m to a record £335.3m, around half that of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.

The group strategic report shows St James’ Park was sold to parent PZ Newco Limited for £172.1m and leased back, so the cost of any future redevelopment would not sit with the club. No announcement on stadium plans is imminent.

Source: Sunderland Echo