‘RESPOND TO GEORDIE FURY’

EDDIE HOWE has demanded his under-fire Newcastle stars answer the anger of fans who accused his side of having no heart, passion or energy.

The Toon coach has hit back at Jamie Carragher, who claimed United players were “ready for the end of the season” after Monday night’s defeat to Chelsea.

That game sparked an emotional response from a section of Geordies, disgruntled at a run of 14 points from 14 games in the Premier League.

Howe has assured supporters that he blasts his players in private if necessary, but will continue to back them in public. Asked about fans being angry this week, Howe said: “No, I was not aware. Am I surprised? No, I am not. We are in a results-driven business and I wasn’t happy. I was angry after the game. There was a lot of internal reflection.”

When told his players has been branded spineless with no heart, passion or energy, Howe (left) admitted: “It is not nice to hear. Especially after what we stood for last season. I think we were the absolute opposite of what you have quoted.

“But I understand emotional responses to games. I am sure the people who have written those words mean them. Now it is up to us to answer them. The message would be support the team, the players on the pitch, leave any anger and resentment – those type of emotions – for me.”

Howe gave a fascinating insight into how he is managing the Toon’s dip this season, saying he does not believe in slaughtering his stars after games.

He added: “I get the fascination with how angry I am. I understand it because there’s a need for a reaction, but I don’t necessarily believe in that style of management.

“I believe in accountability and making your players aware of their roles and responsibilities.

“Behind the scenes I will let them know in no uncertain terms if I’m not happy and they’ve got to do more.

Have no fear about how I interact with the players behind the scenes.”