Eddie Howe reflects on ‘really special’ atmosphere created by Newcastle United fans

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has reflected on a ‘really special’ atmosphere for his game at St James’ Park.

A positive Covid-19 result forced Howe to miss the 3-3 draw with Brentford before he returned the dugout at Arsenal, seven days later.

The 43-year-old was greeted onto the pitch with banners in the Gallowgate End displaying ‘Eddie Howe’s black and white army’.

Howe praised the Geordie-faithful for their part in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City, which saw United play 81 minutes with 10 men after Ciaran Clark’s sending off.

Eddie Howe hails ‘very special’ St James’ Park atmosphere

“They helped the team so much today,” Howe said.

“The atmosphere would have been something that I personally would have loved to have played in and that reflected in the players’ performance.

“The supporters galvanised the players but I think, as always, both have to feed off each other and the crowd would have seen that the players were committed to the cause.

“Couple of players played slightly out of position due to the sending off and they had magnificent games.

“The crowd would have seen a team that is desperate to succeed for the club.

“As long as you get that, the crowd will respond.

“It was a dramatic game. Once we got the lead, I was just praying and hoping that we could get over the line and the crowd really did try and help us do that.

“I thought they were absolutely magnificent for us. The atmosphere in the stadium was really, really special.