Newcastle United sent strong warning over Eddie Howe's future - 'if he became available'
Frustration is high after Newcastle United were held to a goalless draw by bottom of the table Wolves.
Alan Pardew believes Newcastle United look “a little bit stale” under Eddie Howe but sent a warning to those questioning the head coach’s future.
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An inconsistent season so far took another disappointing turn on Sunday afternoon as the Magpies were held to a goalless draw away to bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers.
United had the opportunity to move into the top five of the Premier League for the first time this campaign with a win by two clear goals, but instead ended the weekend in eighth.
Against a Wolves side who are 14 points adrift from safety, Newcastle didn’t register a shot on target until the 84th minute as their struggles away from home continued, with only two wins in 11 matches.
Former Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew defends Eddie Howe
As a result, criticism has been levelled at Howe, with one supporter even questioning the 48-year-old’s future on talkSPORT on Sunday night. Sitting in the studio, former Newcastle boss Pardew leapt to Howe’s defence.
Pardew said: “If he became available, then there would be plenty of big clubs queuing up for him because he handles himself so well, his record is great.
“I just think the team is a little bit flat, a little bit stale. I think he needs to change three or four players, maybe in the summer, but if he could get one or two in during this window... but it looks unlikely doesn’t it?
“There are no real noises coming out of Newcastle that a signing is imminent. There weren’t in for Conor [Gallagher] or anybody that has come available, [Antoine] Semenyo they didn’t go in for him.”
Alan Pardew highlights Manchester City’s January transfer spending
Pardew then went on to highlight Manchester City’s January spending as a potential source of frustration for Newcastle fans, as their club continues act in line with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Man City have signed Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth for a reported £64million and are closing in on the signing of Marc Guehi - two players previously by Newcastle - for a cut-price £20m with the England centre-back out of contract in June.
That is despite the Citizens being under investigation after being charged with 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial fair play rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
Pardew continued: “What I think frustrates Newcastle fans and I’m behind them a little bit, where are all these allegations about Manchester City? That’s all been pushed away again. When was the last time we heard about that getting resolved or that going to court? And they’re still buying big players.”