Edd can’t toe the party line

ANXIOUS Eddie Howe has revealed he could not share the Toon Army’s joy during Newcastle’s 6-1 humiliation of Tottenham 12 months ago – because he was too worried about Harry Kane.

St James’ Park was in party mood as the Magpies raced into a five-goal lead, but Howe was left unmoved.

The Toon boss said: “I didn’t feel like the fans, not even for a second. Not when you’ve got Harry Kane (below) on the other team.

“And then he scores for them and you start looking at how long is left!

“That is the reality when you are a manager. You are looking at things in a totally different way to supporters.”

Newcastle have emerged from the recent international break with seven points out of nine, reviving their European prospects after they were written off in the wake of their FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.

“We knew that result would be perceived negatively, with a lot of people saying Newcastle’s season’s done,” said Howe (top, with assistant manager Jason Tindall).

“But we certainly didn’t think that and knew we could still have a part to play in terms of places for Europe. Games like Spurs will go a long way to deciding where we finish.”

Arguably, Newcastle’s biggest result this month was persuading Joelinton to sign a new four-year deal.

The head coach said: “It’s not easy finding replacements for someone like him. Of course, his deal will have ramifications – you’re potentially lifting wages and that has an impact on your Financial

Fair Play sheet.

“But the alternative is that Joe leaves on a free transfer, which for a player of his quality would be really bad business. Securing him on a long-term deal sends out a positive message.”