Newcastle were 'preparing for months' for Howe departure

WHAT HAPPENED
Newcastle United say they had contingency plans in place well before Eddie Howe’s surprise decision to step away in July, with sporting director Ross Wilson telling the club prepared for the possibility for up to nine months. Howe had planned to continue into the season but chose to take a break; the club appointed Matthias Jaissle as his replacement after a recruitment process that involved multiple candidates.

Jaissle, brought in from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, has started his tenure unbeaten in his first four matches in all competitions. The club are still in a transitional phase on the pitch: only three of the eight summer signings started the recent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

KEY CONTEXT
- Howe managed Newcastle for nearly five years and led the club to the Carabao Cup in 2025, ending a long major-trophy drought.