The manager to take Newcastle United to the next level, the net does not need to be spread too far

I just wanted to say a few things about Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.

For many years, journalists have had a tendency to increasingly ask foolish questions.

It is becoming tedious the number of times Eddie Howe has now been asked about the security of his position.

At least they have, I suppose, changed the phrasing of the question.

Eddie Howe now asked, have you had assurances?

What do the board think?

Are you worried?

While you must accept that it goes with the territory that Eddie Howe will need to respond to those whose job is to fill the sports pages, it does not always have to search for the negative.

Yes, our league position is not where we would want to be.

However, it all needs to be taken in context, with many factors needed to be taken into account such as…

We would have been over the moon five years ago to be in this position overall.

The summer transfer fiasco did not set our season off on the right footing.

We had several significant injury issues, including losing out new centre forward without a ball being kicked, along with being without two of the league’s best young full-backs who have hardly being involved.

While behind our expectations in the league, we are exceeding our expectations in the Champions League.

To some extent, Eddie Howe has created his own criticism, by raising expectations so quickly.

To those who talk of looking for a manager to take the club to the next level, the net does not need to be spread too far.

Just look around St James’ Park for the door marked manager and he is in there.