Eddie Howe is likely to have as big a say on his future as the Newcastle hierarchy, eSPORTY understands.
Magpies chief executive David Hopkinson has raised serious doubts over Howe’s position by declining the chance to publicly back his manager in the wake of Newcastle’s Tyne-Wear derby defeat at home to Sunderland.
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With the Toon 12th in the Premier League and out of all cup competitions, Hopkinson said: “I don’t have a stance on his future. What I can tell you is that the derby loss hurt.
“We take it seriously, there’s nothing within us that thinks, ‘Well, it’s just three points and on we go.’
“Eddie’s our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here and we’ll talk about the future when it’s time. Right now, we’re focused on this season’s competition.”
Howe only signed a bumper long-term contract in 2023, so sacking him would be a costly business.
But it is not beyond the realms of fantasy that former Bournemouth boss opts to walk away if he feels he no longer has the backing of the fans.
Newcastle fan verdict
Speaking on the latest episode of eSPORTY’s Inside the Toon, The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis commented on Hopkinson’s change in tone regarding Howe, claiming the ex-Bournemouth is on trial for the remaining seven games.
It comes after Hopkinson told eSPORTY in February that he shares an incredible working relationship with Howe.
Custis said: “He does have a stance. His stance is he’s not backing Eddie Howe unequivocally.
“It’s like what I was talking about on the last show about being on the fence means you aren’t quite Eddie in, and I think that’s where he is.
“He’s gone out and made that statement about 2030 [wanting to be the best club in the world].
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“And now he’s looking for everyone to back him up, and it feels like he’s put him on trial until the end of the season.”
Hopkinson also referenced that sporting director Ross Wilson would oversee the club’s dealings in transfer window, to which Custis believes is an indication of a lack of trust between the CEO and the manager.
He remarked: “That means he doesn’t trust the manager to make transfer decisions.”
Meanwhile eSPORTY’s Jack Cunningham stated: “I think they’ve watched the second half against Barcelona [Champions League last-16 second leg], the derby defeat and numerous games since that interview, and they are concerned with what they are seeing.”
Toff decision
Bernardo Silva is not the only Manchester City stalwart set to depart this summer.
Silva has been one of mainstays of Pep Guardiola’s trophy-laden City tenure.
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But sources close to the Portuguese have indicated he will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
It is thought the 31-year-old favours a move to his homeland, but also has historic interest from French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Centre-back John Stones is also out of contract and having been restricted to only four Premier League starts this season.
He is not expected to be offered a new deal.
Stones’ ongoing injury issues also forced him to pull out of the England squad over the weekend, putting his World Cup spot in jeopardy.
Former side Everton are among the clubs monitoring Stones, who has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League with City.
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Tottenham Hotspur could target Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen if they stay up, eSPORTY has been told.
Verbruggen played under new Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi at the Amex and the Italian remains a huge fan.
Spurs were already prioritising a new number one before De Zerbi’s appointment due to doubts over the form of Guglielmo Vicario.
Netherlands international Verbruggen has suitors across Europe including German champions Bayern Munich.
Brighton are understood to be relaxed about the situation as they have the impressive Carl Rushworth returning from his successful loan spell at Coventry.
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Scouts from a number of top clubs are expected to flock to St Mary’s this weekend to watch Leo Scienza when Southampton host Arsenal in their FA Cup quarter-final clash.
The exciting Brazilian has been the shining light in a topsy-turvy season for the Saints that could yet end in a return to the Premier League.
But if Tonda Eckert’s men miss out on promotion, they will struggle to keep the 27-year-old.
Scienza has scored six Championship goals and has chipped in with eight assists since his summer move from German side Heidenheim.
Facing Arsenal can be seen as an acid test of his capabilities, with teams in the Premier League, Italy and his native Brazil all tracking his progress.
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