'Embarrassing' - Gabriel Agbonlahor delivers verdict on Eddie Howe and Newcastle United
The talkSPORT pundit has given his take on Eddie Howe’s departure from Newcastle United.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Eddie Howe’s fear of experiencing an ‘embarrassing season’ led to his departure from Newcastle United.
After days of speculation, Howe’s five-year reign at St James Park officially came to an end on Friday afternoon when the Magpies released an emotional statement via their website and social media channels. It marked the latest step in an eventful summer for United following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon and ongoing speculation surrounding the future of club capture Bruno Guimaraes.
Although incoming transfer activity appears to be ramping up, there was frustration earlier in the summer when Newcastle missed out on securing the signings of Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi as they landed respective moves to Liverpool and Aston Villa. The Magpies have opted to bring in young prospects in the form of Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
Agbonlahor believes the transfer activity will have raised concerns from Howe and ultimately led to his decision to bring an end to his tenure on Tyneside.
He told talkSPORT: “I felt for all of the Newcastle fans, I felt for Eddie Howe. What’s happening with Eddie Howe, he got them into the Champions League, some memorable games in the Champions League, won the Carabao Cup, you lose Isak, no problem. You try and get Ekitike, he doesn’t want to come and goes to Liverpool. This summer, you lose Tonali, one of your best players. Gordon, one of your best players. Guimaraes is going to go. Of course, he is going to go. Another one of your best players.
“Then, what probably effected Eddie Howe was this summer you go for Munoz, it’s nearly done and he goes to Liverpool. You go in for Mamzambi, it’s nearly done, he goes to Aston Villa. It comes to a stage with a manager like Eddie Howe is thinking we finished twelfth last season and I’ve lost Tonali, Gordon and Guimaraes is going. The players coming in are youngsters, not proven. I could have an embarrassing season here at Newcastle. It affects me as a manager, my CV going forward. Why would you stay in the job? Why would you?”