Eddie Howe's future could hinge on how well Ross Wilson and the recruitment team do their job this summer - but Newcastle United just need to be calm and collected amidst the transfer chaos. That's the view of former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie, who has called on the club and fanbase to 'take a deep breath'.
The news that the Magpies had missed out on Victor Munoz - their first-choice to replace Anthony Gordon in attack - has caused some consternation on Tyneside. This follows last summer which saw the Alexander Isak saga and £240 million spent on players who struggled to make an impact. With Sandro Tonali nearing the exit and only youngster Ewen Jaouen signed so far, fans are getting restless.
Dowie's experience from Ashley era
But Dowie, who was part of the chaotic Mike Ashley reign when he was parachuted in as Alan Shearer's assistant for the ill-fated eight games in 2009, says United now need calm heads. He believes that Howe will prove his doubters wrong and help Newcastle bounce back in style as long as he's given the right players to work with.
"I think it's time for calmness at Newcastle," Dowie told Betano Casino. "Everywhere Eddie Howe has been, he’s done a brilliant job. His intensity is something very difficult to replicate with any other manager.
"It's important they don't have too many seasons like this, but that’s the quality of the Premier League. Look at Spurs and West Ham, or even Manchester United the year before. Andoni Iraola has done an amazing job at Bournemouth, for example.
"Newcastle need to take a deep breath and let Eddie get on with it. They need a few more acquisitions and a bit more flair. They haven't quite had that edge lately.
"Losing Anthony Gordon is a huge blow. They need good recruitment and to settle down with Eddie because he’s an outstanding manager.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they have a real bounce back this year. Eddie knows he’s under pressure, but that’s the nature of the game."
Fixtures offer hope
Howe has been handed a relatively kind start to the season after the Premier League fixtures were announced on Friday. The Magpies take on Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in their first two games but then have a run of matches that present an opportunity for the team to get off to a good start.
