Watching Howe fully appraised of urgent to-do list if Newcastle are to survive
By Jim White
Brighton Ensure Callum Wilson stays fit
Eddie Howe will appreciate this from their time together at Bournemouth: Newcastle are a much better side with Wilson. His guile, energy and pace issue a challenge to any opponent. Against Brighton he was alert to the end, almost securing the most unlikely of victories in the final moments, when only an illegal intervention by home goalkeeper Robert Sanchez prevented him from delivering Newcastle’s first win of the season. Howe, who could be confirmed as Newcastle’s manager as early as today, will know Wilson is prone to lengthy absences, so keeping him fit will help his efforts to stave off relegation. Especially as the alternative is Joelinton.
Find a midfield
In the first half at the Amex, the contrast between central midfielders was telling. Whereas Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Adam Lallana were adventurous, smart and always in the game, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden were off the pace. If Newcastle are to develop at the speed their new owners demand, Howe will need a new engine room pronto.
Match Brighton’s recruitment
A manager is only as good as the players he has. And Graham Potter is blessed that the Brighton system has delivered him some real talent. Bissouma, Tariq Lamptey and Marc Cucurella are on a level way beyond anything Howe will have to start with. The Mike Ashley years have starved Newcastle of investment. Howe will know the entire St James’ Park operation, not just the first team, needs urgent overhaul.
Get the crowd onside
Newcastle’s fans kept up a sustained volume on Saturday. Enthused by the end of the Ashley era, they were in party mood. If Howe can convince them he is the right man for the job, their support will be worth more than a few points over the season. But as his predecessor, Steve Bruce, discovered, if they turn against him, things will get ugly.
Find a way to keep Graeme Jones
Standing in as manager, Jones clearly has the faith of the players. His system against Brighton was lacking in ambition, but it mitigated his team’s shortcomings and they equalised with a set-piece goal choreographed on the training ground. Howe was sitting alongside Jason Tindall, his long-term collaborator at Bournemouth, which suggests he will be part of the new coaching setup at the club. But Howe might be wise to keep Jones involved.