Newcastle are currently flying under Eddie Howe as the Magpies find themselves third in the Premier League.
The 45-year-old has overseen just one defeat in 15 Premier League games so far this season, and has also coached Newcastle into a seriously solid outfit.
No other Premier League side have shipped fewer goals than Newcastle’s 11 concessions, while their tally of seven clean sheets is also the best in England’s top-flight.
With all of the above taken into consideration, Howe will surely be furious if a rumour coming from St James’ Park is true.
What’s the story?
Well, according to respected journalist Dean Jones, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi already have one eye on replacing Howe with a manager straight out of the top drawer, with Jürgen Klopp namedropped.
Jones told Give Me Sport that Staveley and Ghodoussi will give Howe until the end of the 2023/24 campaign to prove that he himself is a world class manager, or else he will be replaced with a bigger name.
Now, if that is true, it is not exactly the most respectful way to show appreciation for his outstanding efforts so far.
In our view, it simply cannot be true.
Staveley and Ghodoussi have previously told The Athletic that they want Howe to be their very own Sir Alex Ferguson, and spend decades holding the reins at Newcastle.
However, it is quite a big claim for Jones to put his reputation on the line for, so it is certainly possible that there is some truth to it.
Newcastle put unnecessary pressure on Eddie Howe
If this rumour is true, and Howe is aware of it, then there is now unnecessary pressure on the Magpies boss at a time where they should be anything but pressure on his shoulders.
Newcastle have a fantastic opportunity to return to the Champions League this season, and if those in the boardroom at St James’ Park really are putting pressure on him to prove he is world class, then it would be a foolish decision.
Hopefully, the Magpies can continue their excellent form when Premier League football gets back underway.
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