Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle United as head coach

Eddie Howe has left his role as Newcastle United head coach after nearly five years at St James' Park. The 48-year-old's exit follows a difficult season in which the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League. During his time in charge, Howe guided the club to Champions League qualification on two occasions and lifted the League Cup in 2024-25. "After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role," Howe said. "After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break." Newcastle said the process to recruit a new head coach is at an advanced stage, with German coach Matthias Jaissle the favourite for the job. Howe's assistants Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone will also leave, along with head of performance Dan Hodges.