Newcastle not looking to replace Howe 'at the moment', says CEO

Newcastle United are not looking to replace Eddie Howe "at the moment", with chief executive David Hopkinson saying the Magpies will discuss their head coach's future at the end of the season.

Howe's stint on Tyneside has been, for the most part, wildly successful, as he led Newcastle to Champions League qualification in both 2022-23 and 2024-25.

The former Bournemouth boss also ended their 70-year wait to lift a major domestic trophy last March, as they defeated Liverpool at Wembley Stadium to win the EFL Cup.

But this season has been a struggle for Howe's men, who are 12th in the Premier League table and were booed off by their own fans following a 2-1 home defeat to rivals Sunderland before the international break.

The Magpies also suffered a crushing 7-2 defeat at Camp Nou in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona, having been somewhat unlucky to only draw 1-1 in the home leg.

Expectations were high at St James' Park ahead of the campaign, even after the club-record sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, as they spent around £240m to bring in Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw.

And though those running the club are far from content, they are not contemplating an immediate change. 

"Eddie's our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here, and we'll talk about the future when it's time," Hopkinson said as the club released their latest financial figures. 

Asked what those comments meant for Howe's long-term outlook, he added: "We are not looking to make a change at the moment. We are not having those conversations.

"We are still in the midst of the season. Right now, we are focused on the seven matches we have remaining and not distracting ourselves with speculation about what we may or may not do in the summer.

"I don't have a stance on his future. What I can tell you is that the derby loss hurt. We take it seriously. There's nothing within us that thinks, 'Well, it's just three points and on we go'. 

"It has resonated. I spent a couple of hours in a one-on-one lunch recently with Eddie, and we talked through a multitude of things, including that."

Newcastle return to action against Crystal Palace on April 12, with six points separating Howe's side from the Premier League's top six.