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

According to Sunderland Echo, Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson says there are no immediate plans to replace Eddie Howe after a testing campaign, though he stopped short of guaranteeing the head coach’s position beyond this season.

Pressure intensified after the Tyne-Wear derby, where Brian Brobbey struck late in a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland and Howe and his players were booed off. The campaign includes a Champions League knockout berth and deep cup runs, yet league form has dipped.

Hopkinson said Howe remains the manager and he expects a strong finish to the season, adding that discussions about the future will wait until the right time.

He insisted the club are not seeking a change at present and are not holding those conversations.

He said the focus is on the seven remaining matches, not speculation about what may or may not happen in the summer.

Newcastle return to Premier League action in 12th, seven points shy of fifth, where they finished last season. Missing out on Europe could affect finances and personnel.

The latest accounts, covering the year to 30 June 2025 when a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy ended without European football, show a £34.7m post-tax profit as turnover rose by £15m to a record £335.3m and commercial revenue grew 44 per cent. St James’ Park was sold to parent company PZ Newco Limited for £172.1m and leased back, so any future redevelopment would not sit on the club’s books, with no announcement imminent.

Source: Sunderland Echo