Former Premier League manager praises Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe amid Guardiola and Klopp comparisons

Former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock believes Eddie Howe has proven doubters wrong since he was appointed at Newcastle United.

The former Bournemouth boss was named as successor to Steve Bruce in November last year and had overseen quite the turnaround at St James Park.

Howe took over a Magpies side sat second from bottom in the Premier League table and with just five points from their opening 11 games of the season.

That run of ‘form’ had been extended to 14 games by the time’s Howe finally got his first win as Callum Wilson netted the only goal in the home meeting with Burnley in the first week of December.

Through the hard work and diligence of Howe and his coaching staff, and a successful January transfer window, United became the first club in Premier League history to avoid relegation after failing to win in their first 14 games.

The momentum built up throughout the season saw Howe’s side end the campaign just below mid-table and that is where they currently lie after a mixed start to the current season.

Reflecting on Howe’s time in charge at St James Park, Warnock compared the United boss to two of the Premier League’s most successful managers and revealed he understands why the Magpies faithful ‘love’ the man in control of their side.

He told Sky Sports: “I think he has grown, I think it’s been a steady increase in what he’s put in place here. I think there was a lot of doubt about Eddie Howe when he came, people were saying ‘Is he the right man?’ and it almost seemed like the owners wanted to go for a bigger name.

“However, Eddie Howe has come here, he’s done extremely well in the transfer market because there was questions about his ability to spend money after having spent a lot of money at Bournemouth.

“Did he spend wisely at Bournemouth? I’m not so sure but I had big doubts myself and he’s proven me wrong. What he’s given Newcastle now is he’s given them a team that’ll excite fans, a team that gets them off the edge of their seats, plays front-foot and progressive football.

“Ever since Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp came in, we’ve seen that style played more so he’s done really well here and the Newcastle fans are loving him.”

Howe will hope his side can improve their start to the season when they return to action at Fulham on the first Saturday of October.