Paul Merson has offered a cautious verdict on Newcastle United appointing Eddie Howe as their next manager in a job he feels no coach actually wants, in his column for Sportskeeda.
Howe is the front-runner to take up the St James’ Park hot seat Steve Bruce vacated just over two-weeks ago.
The Toon fired Bruce following the Saudi-led takeover of the club, with fresh ideas needed to avoid a potential relegation.
Graeme Jones has confirmed he will remain in the dugout for Newcastle’s trip to Brighton as interim boss.
The Magpies have drawn with Crystal Palace and lost to Chelsea under his watch. But could welcome Howe to the helm soon.
Reports by Sky Sports claim Howe has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract in principle to be the next Newcastle manager, after impressing the new hierarchy during his interview.
United are now arranging Howe’s backroom team before the former Bournemouth boss takes over on Tyneside.
Merson questions what Howe can achieve at Newcastle
But while Howe is nearing the Newcastle job, Merson questions what he will achieve as the next Magpies manager with the players he will then have at his disposal.
The Arsenal icon also doubts alternative managerial candidates actually wanted to take over at St James’, despite their newfound wealth.
“Newcastle are in major trouble at the moment,” Merson wrote.
“They’re going to set up defensively this weekend, but Brighton have quality all over the pitch and should be able to break them down easily.
“Newcastle don’t have a manager going into this game, and I don’t think anyone wants the job, either.
“Eddie Howe is evidently going to become the club’s manager this month, but I don’t think that whets the appetite of the Newcastle fanbase.
“I like Eddie Howe as a manager, but I’m not sure he’s going to rock the boat with the players at his disposal.
“One of these clubs is a proper team and one isn’t at the moment. And I think Brighton should win this Premier League game comfortably.”
Howe will hope to prove Merson wrong and guide Newcastle to safety if appointed as the next Toon manager.
He will have to improve the Magpies’ efforts at both ends of the pitch, however, given the Tyneside outfit’s struggles.
Only basement boys and fellow winless side Norwich have lost (8) more often than United (6) so far. The Canaries are also the only side to concede more (25) than the Toon (23).
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