Former Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles has admitted he was shocked when Eddie Howe left the club, insisting things could have been very different without him.
Howe took over from Steve Bruce five years ago, guiding the club from the bottom of the Premier League to Champions League qualification and a Carabao Cup triumph. Lascelles moved to Leicester City in January but has been without a club since his release in the summer.
Shock at Howe's departure
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lascelles said: "I was really shocked when I found out that Eddie had left. Really shocked, couldn't believe it to be honest."
He added: "More than anything, I just want the fans to be happy with what has happened at their club."
Howe is currently taking a break from management but has been linked with the Manchester United job, with Michael Carrick under pressure after a slow start to the season. Lascelles hopes Howe's contributions on Tyneside are not forgotten quickly.
Praise for Howe's impact
Lascelles said: "I actually love Eddie Howe, what he did for the football and where he picked us up after struggling against relegation to a complete shift in mindset in the whole team."
"Everybody just trusted him and believed in him and got his message. We were on board with him straight away."
"And yeah, from where he took us to where he left the club, he can look himself in the mirror and say he did a fantastic job."
"A great man and so hard working, he used to be at the training ground at 6am and not leave until 5pm."
Regret over timing
Lascelles lost his place under Howe and suffered two bad knee injuries, but believes his career would have benefited from playing under the former Bournemouth boss earlier.
He said: "I always wish I'd had him as boss when I was say 22 as a younger player, as he is so good at improving individuals and giving clear instructions and a clear team philosophy."
"Every person in the team knows their role. If somebody didn't play, they wouldn't kick up a fuss as they wanted the team to win."
