Shola Ameobi Backs Eddie Howe Amid Newcastle Struggles
Despite facing a challenging season, former Premier League striker Shola Ameobi has publicly supported Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, asserting that he is still the ‘best manager’ for the club. Ameobi, who had a long association with the Magpies, emphasized his belief in Howe’s capability to navigate through the current difficulties. Last season, Howe made significant strides by leading the team to their first domestic trophy in 70 years, clinching the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool while also finishing fifth in the league standings.
This season, however, has taken a sharp downturn for Newcastle, a club with a storied history of six FA Cup wins. Recent matches have not yielded favorable results, with the team suffering five consecutive losses, the latest being a narrow 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. This dismal run has left Newcastle perilously close to the relegation zone, just eight points clear of danger.
Ameobi remains optimistic about Howe’s leadership, stating, “He’s the best manager for Newcastle United, irrespective of what’s happening right now.” He acknowledged the team’s current struggles, describing them as a reflection of a tough season but insisted that these challenges should not alter the club’s overall direction under Howe’s stewardship.
Newcastle’s performance this season has also revealed concerning statistics, with the team dropping a league-high 25 points from winning positions, marking their second-worst record in a single season since the 2004–05 campaign. Conversely, they have managed to earn only three points from positions where they were trailing, indicating potential areas for improvement.
A growing narrative among fans points to the summer transfer of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, which was secured for a record British fee of £125 million, as a pivotal factor in the team’s struggles. Isak had made a significant impact prior to his departure, netting 27 goals across all competitions in the previous season. Nevertheless, Ameobi disagrees with the notion that this transfer has severely hindered the club’s prospects. He responded, “No, I think ultimately, players come and go. Teams are always going to want good players,” emphasizing the need for clubs striving to be competitive to adapt and rebuild continuously.
Following Isak’s exit, Newcastle sought to bolster their attacking options by investing in Nick Woltemade for £69 million and Yoane Wissa for £55 million. Woltemade’s initial phase at the club was promising, with seven goals in his first 14 Premier League appearances, boasting an impressive shot conversion rate of 27%. However, his form has waned, entering a 16-match goal drought. Meanwhile, Wissa has been hampered by injuries, limiting his ability to contribute effectively to the team.
Ameobi is hopeful about the future contributions of both players. He noted the challenges Wissa has faced due to injury, which has impeded his acclimatization to a new environment, stating, “It’s going to be hard to get back.” He also expressed confidence in Woltemade’s potential, recognizing the difficulty of transitioning into a new team and culture but believing in Woltemade’s talent and capacity to make an impact as he settles in.
Newcastle, looking to break their current losing streak, will face Brighton and Hove Albion this coming Sunday. The Seagulls aim to replicate their success from October, seeking their second Premier League double over Newcastle since the 2020–21 season. Historically, Newcastle has struggled against Brighton, having won only two of their 17 league encounters, with both victories occurring at home.
