Right time for me to step away, says Howe after Newcastle exit

Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, has confirmed his decision to step down from his role following the club’s announcement of his resignation. The 48-year-old, who led the team for five seasons, cited personal reasons for his departure, stating that it was the right time to move on. His exit marks the end of a tenure marked by notable achievements, including leading the club to its first major domestic trophy in 70 years, the League Cup victory in 2025, and securing Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025. Newcastle United officially announced Howe’s resignation on July 31, confirming that he had left the club after nearly five years in charge. In a statement, Howe expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage the club, describing it as “the privilege of my lifetime.” He acknowledged the difficulty of making the decision but emphasized that it was necessary for both himself and the club. “I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here,” he said. “This one is no different.” Howe’s tenure saw the club navigate through varying levels of success and challenge. Despite his accomplishments, the 2025 season ended in disappointment, with Newcastle finishing 12th in the Premier League. The team lost 17 of their 38 matches during the campaign, culminating in a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday. This loss marked the final match of Howe’s time in charge. The decision to part ways came after a period of personal reflection, according to the statement released by the club. Alongside Howe, several other staff members are set to leave the club. Coaches Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, and Simon Weatherstone, as well as head of performance Dan Hodges, will all depart. The club has welcomed the decision and expressed appreciation for Howe’s contributions. “The club has accepted Eddie's decision and would like to thank him for his extraordinary contribution,” a statement from Newcastle read. The transition to a new manager is expected to see German coach Matthias Jaissle take over. Currently managing Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, Jaissle is believed to be a likely candidate for the vacant position. Both Al-Ahli and Newcastle are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, adding an interesting layer to the potential appointment. While no official confirmation has yet been given, the connection between the two clubs suggests a smooth handover may be possible. Newcastle’s squad has undergone significant changes in recent months, with key players leaving the club. Swedish forward Alexander Isak was transferred to Liverpool last year, while Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali moved to Tottenham Hotspur and England winger Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona. Captain Bruno Guimaraes is also under consideration for departure, potentially marking another shift in the team’s structure ahead of the upcoming season. These exits reflect the ongoing restructuring of the squad, which has been a recurring theme throughout Howe’s time at the club. As the club prepares for the future, the focus will now shift towards appointing a new manager and stabilizing the squad. With the transfer window approaching, decisions regarding remaining players and incoming signings will be crucial in shaping the direction of the team moving forward. The departure of Howe signals the end of an era for Newcastle United, but also opens the door for new opportunities and challenges in the coming months.