'No way' - Wor Flags forced to release Newcastle United statement after Eddie Howe update

Newcastle are looking to climb back into the Champions League places after dropping to seventh following wins for Manchester City and Aston Villa on Saturday. However, they will have to do without head coach Eddie Howe after he was hospitalised on Friday evening.

In the days after the Magpies’ 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday, Howe had felt unwell, leaving him bedridden and unable to be at the club’s training ground. Assistant coach Jason Tindall has led training and also conducted the pre-match press conference on Friday, where he told the media Howe would be back on the touchline against Man United.

Eddie Howe: Why the Newcastle United boss is absent vs Manchester United

However, Howe’s condition worsened that evening and a club statement late Saturday afternoon confirmed Howe had been admitted to hospital, therefore missing the visit of the Red Devils.

“Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United's Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness,” it read. “The Magpies' head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.

“Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.

“Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course. Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team at St. James' Park on Sunday, supported by the club's first team staff.”

Wor Flags release statement ahead of Newcastle United v Manchester United

Wor Flags have planned a pre-match display celebrating former Newcastle player and manager Kevin Keegan, however supporters questioned whether it would go ahead because of the Howe situation.

But in a statement on social media, Wor Flags confirmed the Keegan display will go ahead as planned.

“We appreciate the messages we’ve received since yesterday evening regarding today’s display,” Wor Flags wrote on X. “Hundreds of hours have gone into creating it, and in the short time frame there’s no way we can pull it, it would also mean so much wasted material that fans have paid for.

“As much as we celebrate the present, we fondly remember the past and salute those who will always have a lasting impact on our club and our fans. King Kev set the standards for Newcastle United as both player and manager, and today we pay homage to the legend.

“We’re sure Eddie Howe would agree that a massive atmosphere is needed throughout the 90. Get into them Newcastle, HOWAY THE LADS!”

The Keegan tribute was due to happen ahead of the 3-3 draw with Liverpool in December but was postponed.

It is not yet known if Keegan will be in attendance. The 74-year-old hasn’t attended a match at St James’ Park since he left his second stint as manager in 2008 but had vowed to return when Newcastle won a trophy.

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