Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
NEW MANAGER
HOWE: I can sense how fans are desperate for success but let emotions rule and you will make the wrong decisions
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BY SIMON BIRD
EDDIE HOWE has shaken up Newcastle United with a training blitz branded as “10 days of 100 percent intensity”.
Howe says he spent his year out of management preparing for the moment he took charge of a club again, and Toon wingback Matt Ritchie revealed not a moment has been wasted.
The former Bournemouth boss, 43, felt “a real yearning from the supporters to be successful, to produce a team they enjoy watching. That’s the big challenge ahead for us. You can sense it’s a huge job.”
Huge jobs call for huge efforts. Howe has upped the ante in training, physically and mentally.
He has pledged to bring the best out of £40million club record signing Joelinton and maximise Jonjo Shelvey’s passing talent. Ex-cherries Ritchie, Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser are helping educate team-mates about Howe’s methods and demands.
Training has been at St James’ Park to get players more comfortable with their playing environment and new prematch warm-up rehearsed.
Staff had a bonding afternoon at a restaurant and pub, but no alcohol. “Taking the staff to the pub? That’s a dangerous headline! I wanted to get to know everyone personally,” said Howe.
It is a far cry from the days of Sam Allardyce ordering coaches on a night out with the edict the first one home would be sacked!
Howe, who wants training to be at game pace, said: “Whenever a new manager goes into a new club, one of the first things he looks at is fitness levels. You want a bit more from any group you take over.
“We’ve implemented a couple of changes. Stats show they haven’t been too bad fitnesswise, so it’s more a case of getting two or three per cent more out of them.
“They are a fit group but we can top that up and just make them a little bit stronger. Late in games hopefully that can make the difference for us.”
He will hope that hard work pays off although will not be at the ground to see it, having tested positive for Covid. Of training at St James’ Park, Howe said: “I don’t think it does players any harm to play in their home stadium and feel comfortable in that environment. It was twofold - for staff to get used to the surroundings and to get players used to our matchday warm-up.”
There is also renewed hope for Brazilian striker Joelinton, with Howe saying: “I think he can be a huge player for us. From what I’ve seen in training so far, he’s a technical player, very good feet, intelligent... obviously, the size he is as well helps from various perspectives.
“He has a real talent. Unlocking that, playing him in the right position, are all things I’m going to have to make assessments on but, certainly, he’s going to have a big part in our future.”
The same for Shelvey, who looks set to start against Brentford and dictate play. Howe talks “philosophy and principles” and tries not to overload players with information. He is structured, scientific and appears unemotional at the most emotional of clubs.
Howe added: “You can look at me and think, ‘What is he thinking and feeling?’ But it’s all inside. I am emotional inside. But in this job if you’re too emotive and reactive and emotional you can make mistakes. So I’ll stay calm when I need to stay calm and try to make rational decisions rather than emotional decisions.”
Ritchie (left) said: “Eddie’s brought his culture of improvement, maximising in all areas. He’s put his stamp on the group. It’s a recipe for success. He’s the perfect fit for the club.”
Results will ultimately be the judge of that, but no stone is being left unturned to find a winning formula.
Lee Charnley, managing director under Mike Ashley and who took much of the flak for the former owner, left yesterday.