‘He is’ - Matt Ritchie breaks silence on Eddie Howe after Newcastle United exit

The Magpies have been without their figurehead for three games as he rests up following a pneumonia diagnosis. Assistant manager Jason Tindall earned back-to-back home victories against Manchester United and Crystal Palace but Newcastle came crashing down to earth with a 4-1 away defeat to Aston Villa yesterday.

There has been no official update on Howe since the club announced he would miss the Palace and Villa fixtures. Just five games of the 2024-25 campaign remain and the Magpies are keen not to hurry the gaffer back, with his health the top priority.

One player who knows Howe better than most is former Toon leader Ritchie. Signed by the 47-year-old in 2013, the winger - now back on the south coast at Portsmouth - was integral to his Bournemouth team that climbed through the divisions to the Premier League.

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Howe inherited an older Ritchie as Newcastle boss in 2021 and, despite a lack of game time, entrusted him as one of his dressing-room lieutenants. His eight-year career at St James’ Park ended when he was not given a contract extension last summer.

Now enjoying life in the Championship at his boyhood club, Ritchie opened up about what makes Howe tick. The Pompey ace referenced the improvements made to players throughout the Newcastle squad.

“The one word I can choose to describe him is relentless,” Ritchie told Sky Sports. “He’s a special man off the pitch, but then you step into a football environment, on the training pitch, he wants individuals to grow.

“He created an environment where you can be open and challenge yourself. He wants you to work on your weaknesses. It is no accident that you look at the players who have improved under his leadership, Jacob Murphy, Joelinton, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, all good players with huge potential. He gave them the platform to produce that, along with the others guys and the coaches.”

Matt Ritchie bid emotional farewell to Newcastle United supporters

Ritchie penned an emotional goodbye to fans when his exit was confirmed. An open letter read: “After eight incredible years, my journey with Newcastle has come to an end and before I begin to prepare for an exciting new challenge at my new club. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made my time here so special.

“To the fans, your unwavering support has and always will mean the world to me. From the elation of scoring the winner against Burton Albion as we chased promotion, to a personal highlight of mine, seeing out a 1-0 win over Manchester United to help secure our Premier League status in 2018. These moments, where we battled and triumphed together at St. James' Park, will always hold a special place in my heart.

“Newcastle United is filled with extraordinary people who made my time here so special. There's no doubt that I'm leaving this club with friends for life. To the manager, coaches, my teammates and all the amazing staff at the club, it was a privilege to be part of such a talented, dedicated and ambitious team. Your hard work and friendship made every day a joy, and I am proud to have worked alongside you all.

“There's no doubt in my mind that this club will continue to grow from strength to strength over the coming seasons and I will be watching proudly from afar as a fan.

Finally, I want to end by thanking every single Newcastle United supporter - you are the beating heart of this one-of-a-kind club and without you, none of this would have been possible.”

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