Alexander Isak and Sunderland - Simon Jordan fires brutal reality check to Newcastle United
There are several factors behind Newcastle United’s downfall this season as Eddie Howe continues to face questions over his future.
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes losing both Tyne-Wear derbies to Sunderland dealt an unforgiving blow to Eddie Howe.
The debate around Howe’s future ramped up tenfold following Newcastle’s loss to the Black Cats last month. Sunderland confirmed a league double after also triumphing at the Stadium of Light in December.
A three-week break gave the Magpies a chance to reset but, in truth, their misery has compounded further. Three consecutive defeats since the Sunderland setback has caused Newcastle’s season to peter out.
Simon Jordan on Tyne-Wear derby impact
Howe’s side sit 14th in the Premier League, with hopes of European qualification all but over. Ex-Palace chief Jordan cited the derby losses as unacceptable and where Howe “will lose” the fans.
“Newcastle have a constant level of attainment that is required of them,” he told talkSPORT. “Where Eddie will lose the room, you can’t come back after losing to Barcelona and getting beaten by Sunderland.
“The games that standout to me that there is trouble ahead? You can’t have Sunderland do the double over you. You just simply can’t, as a Newcastle fan, manager and representative (lose both derbies).”
Alexander Isak strategy defended
With the benefit of hindsight, critics have argued that Newcastle needed to offload Alexander Isak earlier. A messy transfer saga reached its conclusion on deadline day, with Yoane Wissa also heading to St James’ Park.
“They had to do what they had to do with Isak. It was being played out by the player and the agent to try and achieve an outcome for them. Liverpool were playing hide and seek with the player. They had to get the maximum amount of money for him and, unfortunately, it played out the way it did.
“What do you do? Suddenly take £30million less for a player because it makes it easier for everyone? There’s a balance to be had. The blueprint in the room currently, for how to manage a football club that can’t have the economic resources others have, is Aston Villa.
“They can compete for two or three seasons at the top of the Premier League and perform in Europe. That is one component part - it has to be the manager.”