Jeff Stelling has shut down claims from Paul Merson that he would be ‘shocked’ if incoming Newcastle boss Eddie Howe were to be first-choice for any team in the Premier League, as he told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports.
The Sky presenter also defended Newcastle’s process of bringing in a new manager and how the quick turn of direction during the takeover didn’t help the new owners’ cause.
It seems as Newcastle are going to appoint Howe as their new manager and the Englishman was in the stands over the weekend.
The Magpies recorded a 1-1 draw at Brighton and they are now the only team in England’s top-flight without a win this season.
They aren’t bottom of the pile, though, because Norwich, who sacked Daniel Farke on Saturday evening, are the ones occupying that spot.
Nonetheless, when doubts over Howe were raised towards Stelling and how long the search for a new manager has gone on, all of those critical points were jabbed away by the Soccer Saturday host.
“Why is that (on Howe doubts and criticism),” asked Stelling. “He did a brilliant job for most of the time at Bournemouth.
“He has been out-of-work for just over a year. But I am sure he could have had another job in the meantime, but he was waiting for what he sees the right fit.
“You can’t just conjure a manager up from nowhere, can you? (on time taken to find Bruce replacement). I know it has been a long time in the making (the takeover).
“But when it happened, it actually happened incredibly quickly.”
However Newcastle put three points on the board, they need to do it as quickly as possible because the morale of the group is on the floor.
Of course, the introduction of Howe will lift the place a little, but that still won’t hide the fact that the Magpies are sitting in the relegation zone.
It needs to be remembered that Newcastle are yet to officially announce Howe, but whatever the delay, it seems like it’s going to be a return to the Premier League for the ex-Bournemouth boss.
The international break will actually fall in his favour because it allows him to spend those extra days and minutes on the training ground with the players.
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