Eddie Howe in favour of Premier League rule change that Newcastle United recently voted against

Eddie Howe has revealed he is in favour of the Premier League’s decision to allow five substitutes in matches from next season.

Five subs were permitted during the 2020-21 campaign, which was played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the move was scrapped ahead of the current campaign.

Last summer, the Magpies were among the top-flight clubs against the two extra subs, believing it benefitted the so-called bigger clubs in the division.

Why Eddie Howe is in favour of five subs

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have long pushed for the five-sub rule to be reintroduced, and their wish will come true for the start of next season.

And Howe joins the respective Liverpool and Manchester City managers in welcoming the change.

The 44-year-old explained: “I think when you’re managing a big squad and if you’re allowed to have more options, I think that’s a very good thing.

“I really love the squad that I have and that enhances my ability to bring more players onto the pitch and change things tactically.

“Yeah, I’m all for it.”

And why Eddie Howe might be right

With Newcastle’s first-team squad lacking numbers and investment under Mike Ashley’s ownership, it’s easy to see why the club was so opposed to the move.

However, following the change of hands to PCP Partners, PIF of Saudi Arabia and RB Sports and Media, that is now set to be a thing of the past.

New signings are expected to arrive in the summer, just like they did in January, which will also increase competition in Howe’s squad.

With player happiness at the forefront of Howe’s thinking, it’s easy to see why he is in favour of the change as it will allow him to hand out more minutes on the pitch.

That isn’t to say it doesn’t benefit the ‘top six’ however, with their squads full of world-class talent.