Newcastle United delay Eddie Howe decision until end of season

Newcastle United will wait until the end of the current season to decide the future of manager Eddie Howe despite a recent run of damaging Premier League defeats.

The Magpies currently sit 14th in the table following a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

This alarming slump leaves the club 13 points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots and facing their lowest finish since suffering relegation in the 2015-16 campaign.

However, club executives have no immediate plans to dismiss the English head coach, opting instead to conduct a standard end-of-season review.

Focus remains on current campaign

Chief executive David Hopkinson previously stated following a recent Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland that premature discussions regarding the managerial position were inappropriate.

“I don’t have a stance on his future,” Hopkinson said.

“Eddie’s our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here and we’ll talk about the future when it’s time.”

“Right now, we’re focused on this season’s competition.”

The Tyneside outfit have subsequently suffered consecutive losses to Crystal Palace and the Cherries, intensifying scrutiny on the former Bournemouth tactician.

Shearer defends embattled manager

Club record goalscorer Alan Shearer has publicly defended the beleaguered coach, suggesting the playing squad must shoulder the blame for recent dismal performances.

“I sat and watched it and the players were terrible,” Shearer told the Rest is Football podcast regarding the Bournemouth fixture.

“As tough as it is for Eddie, I don’t know what is going to happen with him.”

The former England striker also expressed doubts over whether the current boss would even desire to remain at St James’ Park beyond the summer.

“If all things are equal then, yes, I would like him to stay, but does he feel as if he is going to have the chance?”