‘Ridiculous’ - Simon Jordan gives scathing attack on £6m Eddie Howe stance
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has slammed the FA for refusing to pay Newcastle United’s £6million price tag on Eddie Howe.
Speculation has ramped up on who England will choose to succeed Gareth Southgate. A week ago, interim boss Lee Carsley looked nailed on to be promoted from the under-21s.
However, a shock defeat to Greece and comments downplaying his chances have reignited the debate. Toon boss Howe emerged as a popular contender when Southgate resigned in July.
He has been the highest-placed Englishman for consecutive Premier League seasons and was ambiguous about the vacancy in the summer. That stance has softened, with Howe thought to be “happy” and “committed” to St James’ Park. Watch on Shots! Geordie Journos reflect on Newcastle United takeover - three years on
The Telegraph reported last week that Howe has a £6million compensation clause in his contract. But the FA are understood to be unwilling to stump that fee due to potential backlash regarding grassroots football.
Speaking to talkSPORT, ex-Palace chief Jordan ripped into the “ridiculous” FA for fearing the possible fallout. He said: “I can’t inhibit the mindset of the FA because I don’t think like them. I want to have the best in class. I would want to pay (the compensation package).
“If I think Eddie Howe is the best in class, given the prolificacy of the FA and what they waste money on endlessly, I wouldn’t be worried about paying compensation to get the best manager.
“That’s a ridiculous observation. The reason they don’t want to do it is because there’s other arguments going on about their lack of funding into grassroots football. They don’t like the optics of paying £5million compensation for the national team manager.
“What market are they operating in? They’re operating in a market (of) the next best version of class. Let’s say that looks like Eddie (Howe). The English FA, that’s supposed to be the regulator for the world’s richest league, cannot and will not pay the rate to get the best operator.
“If I want Howe, and I’m in the FA and the only reason I won’t get him is because I wouldn’t pay the compensation, then I’ll pay it.”