Newcastle United told to sack Eddie Howe and appoint ‘guarantee’ manager

Former Sky Sports anchor Richard Keys believes Newcastle United should appoint Jose Mourinho to break their 69-year trophy curse.

Not since 1955 have the Magpies won a domestic honour, an unnerving fact that casts a dark cloud over St James’ Park. Joe Harvey was the last Newcastle manager to win a trophy - the Fairs Cup in 1969 - with silverware scarce in recent generations.

Many have tried and all of them have failed to end the barren spell. Even the current incumbent, Eddie Howe, came within a whisker of achieving glory in the Carabao Cup last season but was denied at the final hurdle.

Fans are desperate to see Newcastle win a trophy - a feat that became more achievable following the Saudi-backed takeover. Amanda Staveley promised a Premier League title within five to 10 years when she liberated the club from Mike Ashley.

Two-and-a-half years into the Saudi project, Newcastle hold a chance - albeit slim - of breaking their duck. An FA Cup trip to Manchester City this weekend is an uphill task for any side let alone one enduring a poor campaign. As for the Premier League, they look a million miles away from clinching the title. Newcastle last won the league in 1927 and currently sit 10th after a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea.

That loss was the Magpies’ ninth on the road this season and leaves them with a battle to qualify for Europe. Howe is beginning to feel the heat for the first time as Toon boss - and some pundits are already calling for his head.

Speaking to beIN Sports post-match, Keys urged Newcastle to appoint Mourinho, who has been out of work since January. He said: “What's happened to the Geordie revolution? It was great to see the Toon mixing it with the big boys last season. Why have the wheels come off so quickly? Is it time for phase two? And Jose? There are no guarantees of a trophy in football - unless you employ him.”

Mourinho has himself confirmed he is ready for a return to management, as he was quizzed about his future ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend.

He said: "I hope so, I want to. You know Roma was great because we had two European finals in two years and that’s hard at a club that never did it. Now I have to wait for the right opportunity. I want to work tomorrow if possible, but I don’t want to make the wrong decision."