‘A travesty’ - Kieron Dyer makes worrying Eddie Howe prediction at Newcastle United

Kieron Dyer expects Eddie Howe to lose his job should Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League this season. As it stands, the Magpies face an uphill task to break into the top four - a feat they astonishingly achieved last year. Newcastle sit 11 points behind Arsenal after losing five of their last six Premier League games.

Toon supporters are hoping a relaxed fixture list in the second half of the campaign can prove the catalyst for a dramatic turnaround. There is also the added dynamic of fifth spot - which Newcastle are 10 points behind - potentially qualifying for the Champions League.

CEO Darren Eales revealed in a recent interview that the goal is to qualify for European football again, highlighting the need for extra revenue to align with Financial Fair Play. That gives Howe a clear remit from not until May and former Magpies midfielder Dyer believes he could be axed if Newcastle miss out.

“I’ve said this to a few people, If Newcastle don’t get in the Champions League, does he lose his job?” he told talkSPORT. “It would have sounded crazy at the start of the season but I know how owners think.

“I think he loses his job and I think it would be so harsh and bonkers but this is the way that football goes. When you’re the owner of a club and you’re seeing the success and seeing Champions League football, they think it’s a given.

“I’d say to give Eddie Howe some time but I know how owners think and I think it would be a travesty if he lost his job for not getting in the Champions League.”