Eddie Howe has resigned as Newcastle United manager after almost five years in charge, bringing an end to a period that included two Champions League qualifications and the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
The 48-year-old’s departure follows a disappointing Premier League campaign in which Newcastle finished 12th. The club said negotiations to appoint a successor were already at an advanced stage, with German coach Matthias Jaissle strongly linked with the vacancy.
Howe will leave St James’ Park alongside his coaching staff, including Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone. Dan Hodges, the club’s head of physical performance, will also depart.
In his first public comments since the announcement, Howe said: “After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave my position.”
He added: “After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul to the club with relentless energy, I feel that it is in my best interests and the club’s best interests for me to step away, recharge my batteries and take some time to rest. Although this decision has been incredibly difficult to make, I know deep down that it is the right decision, and it has been the honour of my life to be the manager of Newcastle United.”
Howe took over in November 2021 and guided Newcastle to an 11th-place finish in his first season. The team then secured qualification for the Champions League in 2022-23 and again in 2024-25.
His most significant domestic success came when Newcastle won the EFL Cup in the 2024-25 season, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic honour.
Newcastle also reached the Champions League last 16 last season before being eliminated by Barcelona. However, a decline in their domestic form, including 17 Premier League defeats, meant they failed to secure European football for the following campaign.
Howe reflected on the progress made during his time on Tyneside, from battling to avoid relegation to competing on football’s biggest stages.
“There have been so many incredible moments during our time here; from fighting relegation in our first season to the unforgettable, historic Champions League nights at St James’ Park not long after,” he said.
“The progress was rapid, and everyone pulled together to become a formidable force. Those are all memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Howe’s arrival came after Newcastle had been involved in a relegation battle, but his tenure oversaw a rapid transformation in the club’s fortunes. The team moved into European contention, returned to the Champions League and won a major trophy before his decision to step down at the end of a season that fell well short of expectations.