Howe deserves credit – Toon old boy Saha

NEWCASTLE United head coach Eddie Howe should get more credit for the job he is doing at St James’ Park this season, according to former Magpies striker Louis Saha. The United boss has seen his side struggle to match the heights of last season’s top-four finish, but they’re still on a course for another European adventure if they can end the campaign strongly.

Howe has retained the support of the black-and-white faithful during a testing nine months which has seen many of his plans torn up by some horrendous luck with injuries. Newcastle have been without big-name players for the majority of the season and that, coupled with the demands of Champions League football plus two domestic cup runs, have seen the squad stretched to its limits.

Despite some disappointing results, the season has still brought plenty of highs, with United beating the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris St-germain among others. There have been some, largely outside of Tyneside, who have speculated on Howe’s future, but former Manchester United frontman Saha, who spent a brief period on loan at Newcastle in 1999, feels the Magpies boss doesn’t get the praise he deserves.

“I expected this season to be a challenge for Newcastle, but still, Eddie Howe has managed to do really well,” Saha told Paddy Power.

“They’re sort of in the middle of the table, trying to reach the European places, but it’s obviously a process.

“Howe doesn’t get the credit he deserves because the challenge of the Premier League is huge. It’s a real challenge for any manager to come out and confidently say what they’re going to do. Apart from three of four managers, no one can guarantee anything.

“You have to give Eddie Howe the credit; he’s done really well, and he’s managed to gel the team well. He’s nurtured young players and gives them the confidence to perform so he’s done a really good job this season.”

Newcastle’s European push continues on Saturday when highflying Tottenham come to St James’ Park.

Louis Saha in his Newcastle days