Eddie Howe 'amazed' at what he's hearing on Newcastle United social media
Newcastle United’s manager and players have defended Lewis Miley after he was criticised on social media this week.
Eddie Howe is amazed to hear Lewis Miley was criticised for his performance in last Sunday’s goalless draw at AFC Bournemouth.
The Newcastle United midfielder was drafted into the starting line-up as Howe named seven changes from the 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League less than 72 hours earlier.
It was Miley’s first start of the new campaign and only his fourth in 2025 as he competes with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton for a regular spot.
Eddie Howe ‘amazed’ by Lewis Miley criticism
Following the game on the South Coast, some supporters took to social media to voice their disappointment over Miley’s display, views Howe believes was “totally unjustified”.
Told about the Miley criticism, Howe replied: “I'd be amazed if that was the case to be honest because I just think that would be totally unjustified. For me, Lewis is an outstanding player and he's a player we need to support and protect.
“You mention his age and sometimes when you look at him you forget how young he is because the stature of him is maturity both on and off the pitch.
“I think with all players they need support, they need help, they need guidance, anything other I'd encourage the player to switch off from and just try and listen to the people that really matter in their lives, that would be family, friends.
“But of course us and we will do everything we can to support him and treat him as the talent that we know he is.”
Eddie Howe on the impact of social media
The 19-year-old then chose to limit replies to a post he made on X to mark his 50th senior appearance for his boyhood club.
“I was aware [of the criticism],” Howe added. I haven't seen any of the comments myself because I'm not accessing that information but it came back to me that there was something. But Lewis and all the players unfortunately have to deal with this world that is there. If you open yourself up to it and you absorb it then it can affect you.
“But I think Lewis is very mature for his age. He's strong mentally but as I said earlier I think it's our job to protect all the players and I'm not talking about Lewis here, I'm talking about everybody. Protect their own thoughts and their own views on themselves.
“It's so important that players maintain their confidence when they enter the pitch and they blank out all the noise. It's important for me to do that as much as anybody else in my role and really I critique myself. I don't need anyone else to do it for me.”
Joelinton defends Newcastle United teammate Lewis Miley
As well as Howe, teammate Joelinton also defended the Stanley-born midfielder following Wednesday’s 4-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City.
"It's always difficult when you see your team-mate get stick," Joelinton said. "I have had a difficult time here, too. I know how it is.
"I know the fans are behind the team and a really good young player. He played really well on Sunday. The team has to get better and everyone has to look on the mirror and get better."