Newcastle United have backed manager Eddie Howe despite mounting pressure following a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Senior coach Graeme Jones and Howe were seen deep in discussion as they left the pitch, while unused substitutes took part in a separate training drill, missing the manager's debrief.
During the match, right-back Tino Livramento was called over for guidance but appeared unconvinced by instructions from set-piece coach Martin Mark and Jones. Howe later admitted his players had failed to follow tactical instructions, particularly after taking a 1-0 lead. 'We don't want to go 1-0 up and change to a mentality of defending,' he said.
Despite the poor run of results—Newcastle are 14th in the Premier League, five points off eighth-placed Everton—Howe retains the backing of the board. The Athletic reports that the club's Saudi owners, PIF, are monitoring from afar, while CEO David Hopkinson is taking informed decisions on the ground. A summer review is planned, and sacking Howe would be costly.
Howe held a standard meeting with Hopkinson after the derby defeat to Sunderland, though speculation persists that he could resign if he loses fan support. He remains 4/5 favourite with bet365 to start next season as manager, but a mutual separation is also possible if results do not improve.
Supporters expressed frustration, with Newcastle United Supporters Club posting: '25 points dropped from winning positions. Unacceptable.' Howe acknowledged fielding a young team but refused to use that as an excuse. Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier could return for Saturday's home fixture against AFC Bournemouth.
