Eddie Howe makes pre-Newcastle United takeover admission which may surprise fans

Even with Mike Ashley as owner, Eddie Howe would have still been interested in managing Newcastle United.

It’s six months since the takeover of PCP Partners, the Public Investment of Saudi Arabia and RB Sports & Media was approved by the Premier League - restoring hope and ambition on Tyneside.

Howe was appointed a little under four weeks later, replacing Steve Bruce as head coach, and is on track to guide the Magpies to Premier League safety.

Previously, the 44-year-old former Bournemouth boss was among the leading candidates linked with succeeding the unpopular Bruce prior to the takeover.

But rather than join at a time when the club’s sole aim was to stay in the top-flight, Howe arrived at the beginning of an exciting new era under new ambitious and wealthy owners.

Perhaps surprisingly, regardless of who was owner, Howe would have still been keen on managing Newcastle.

Howe explained: “Yeah absolutely I would have been because of the size of the club, its history, the support base - everything connected with Newcastle, they are the reasons I’d be interested in the job.

“I’m absolutely loving the responsibility and the challenge. The day-to-day job is one that I’m really embracing.”

So, what changes has Howe noticed behind the scenes from the owners?

"There have been subtle changes,” Howe said.

“Because we are in the middle of the season and we are so involved with the team and the players we have, the way we want to play, that has taken most of my energy.

“Building the club and improving the infrastructure that is going to come another day. There have been subtle changes rather than dramatic."