Newcastle United have parted ways with manager Eddie Howe, with Matthias Jaissle set to replace him. The decision comes despite a vote of confidence from midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who earlier said the club should stick with Howe because he is a top, top manager.
Howe's departure
Howe's exit follows months of speculation. In September, CEO David Hopkinson compared Howe to Bruce Springsteen, but by April he was equivocating on Howe's position. Howe himself said last night: “Every day as Newcastle manager is a great day for me. I believe great things are possible every season with a real buzz of what’s ahead. I see no reason for it to be any different this year.” The timing recalls Howe's 2011 move from Bournemouth to Burnley shortly after announcing he would stay at Bournemouth.
Jaissle's appointment was agreed between Newcastle's majority owner, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and Al-Ahli, also owned by the PIF. Rumours that Howe's departure was linked to new goalkeeper tactical time-out rules are wide of the mark.
Grealish sets record straight
Jack Grealish addressed his absence from Manchester City's Asia tour in a now-deleted Instagram post: “Just to let you know I’m still recovering from an injury so I’m not training yet. Haven’t been ‘left out’ so stop talking poo poo thanks.”
Letters
Readers responded to recent stories. Andy Beller joked about Marc Cucurella's tattoo. John Collins suggested equal bans for time-wasting feigning injuries. JJ Zucal noted Joshua Kushner's connection to Donald Trump regarding FIFA. Jon Millard recalled Jürgen Klinsmann's impact on the Premier League.
