Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has described Eddie Howe’s departure as ‘disappointing’ but is now looking forward to seeing what impact Matthias Jaissle can make at St James’ Park.
Howe’s Legacy and Exit
Howe’s five-year reign ended last week after he led the Magpies to two Champions League campaigns and ended the club’s 70-year wait for major domestic silverware with a Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool last year. However, a disappointing second half of last season saw United miss out on Europe and played a significant role in the departures of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes over the last six weeks. Howe followed the trio out of the door last week.
He has since been replaced by former RB Salzburg and Al-Ahli head coach Jaissle, who appears to have made an immediate impact with a new-look Magpies squad during a pre-season training camp in Spain.
Carroll’s Reaction
Carroll, now player-manager of National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge, praised Howe for his achievements. He told Chronicle Live: “It was disappointing - but speaking to the lads, with things going on behind the scenes, maybe it was the time for change. Eddie is a great manager and you only ever hear great things about him. He’s done a great job. It’s happened now and we are looking forward to the new manager being here and seeing how he fares.”
Woltemade’s Potential
One intriguing aspect of Jaissle’s appointment is how he can get the best out of fellow German Nick Woltemade. The 12-times capped Germany international scored 11 goals in all competitions during his first season at St James’ Park but struggled in the second half of the season. Carroll described Woltemade as ‘a great player’ and feels Jaissle will have to show persistence and patience. “It all depends on the style of play really,” he explained. “Until they are back this season, we don’t know, but there is no doubt he is a great player and anything can happen. I think he can come good, I think he’s a great player and they just have to stick with him. Strikers go through spells, I’ve been through them, so they just have to stick with him and see what he can do.”
Carroll’s New Role
Carroll was back in the North East last week as Dagenham faced South Shields in a pre-season friendly before taking part in a Diabetes UK charity match. He revealed he and his youngest son still follow Newcastle, joking that his other sons support Manchester City and Tottenham. “I’m still Newcastle mad, I still support and follow them. One of my sons is a Newcastle fan so we have had fun winding the other two up. Believe it or not, one is Manchester City, my youngest, and the other one is Tottenham, that’s even worse.”
Carroll will combine playing and coaching duties with Dagenham as they look to secure promotion. With YouTuber KSI as a shareholder, there are ambitions to progress towards the EFL. Carroll said: “I’m enjoying it as an assistant manager. The gaffer is there and I get to do both sides of it being on the pitch and being in the technical area and shouting information on to the pitch when I come off. The club is in the right place, we are going in the right direction and I’m still enjoying my football. I love being a part of it and this is a massive club. Everyone coming into the club knows the ambition and where we want to go. Everyone is here for the right reasons and we have great depth in the squad as well.”
