Newcastle United postpone Eddie Howe’s press conference amid Premier League announcement

Newcastle United have postponed Eddie Howe’s pre-match West Ham United press conference until later this afternoon as the Premier League decides whether or not the game will go ahead.

The Magpies head coach was due to face the media at 9am this morning and preview Sunday afternoon’s trip to the London Stadium.

However, the fixture is now in doubt following the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

The EFL announced last night that Friday’s matches involving Burnley versus Norwich City and Tranmere Rovers vs Stockport County have been postponed as a mark of respect for Her Majesty.

A further announcement from the EFL regarding Saturday and Sunday’s scheduled fixtures is expected this morning, with the Premier League set to follow suit.

A meeting of governing bodies across a range of sports is understood to have been scheduled, where officials from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will set out Government guidance on the official period of mourning.

Newcastle have pushed back Howe’s press conference until 1:30pm as they wait to discover whether or not the clash with West Ham will go ahead as planned.

United joined the Premier League in paying tribute to The Queen - the country’s longest-reigning monarch.

“Newcastle United and its owners are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” a club statement read. “We join the world in sending our deepest condolences to the Royal Family. All flags at St. James’ Park will fly at half mast as we join the country in observing a period of national mourning.”

A Premier League statement read: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”