Newcastle are the perfect fit for me, says Howe

EDDIE Howe has said he is “honoured and privileged” to start his reign as Newcastle boss and described his new role as “the perfect fit”.

Howe was speaking yesterday for the first time since being confirmed as the successor to Steve Bruce, who was dismissed last month.

Howe said: “It feels fantastic to be here and I am absolutely honoured and privileged - it is an incredible moment in my life. Everything just felt right - the pull of the club is huge, the size and the history of the club and obviously the new ambitious plans. I just thought it was the perfect fit for me.”

Despite the likely financial backing heading his way, Howe insisted he could not promise that he would save the club from relegation.

He takes over with his new side sitting second from bottom of the Premier League table and still searching for their first win of the campaign.

Howe added: “Obviously we need to try and address that very quickly and move up the league and avoid relegation. I’m absolutely confident we can, but I make no promises on that.”

Howe distanced himself from reports the Magpies are set to bring in Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards to join him at St James’ Park. Howe, who worked with Edwards at Portsmouth, said: “I know nothing about Michael Edwards’ future.”

Howe did confirm that his former Bournemouth back-up team of Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and Dan Hodges would all join him in the north-east. ■ Former football commentator Gerald Sinstadt has died, aged 91.

The BBC and ITV broadcaster covered four World Cups for ITV between 1970 and 1982, before working on the Olympics for the BBC.

“He was a craftsman, a very good commentator and just a lovely man,” said BBC Sport executive producer Andrew Clement.

Sinstadt was among the first commentators to highlight racial abuse from the terraces, during West Brom’s 5-3 win at Manchester United in 1978.

Later in his career, Sinstadt was a regular on Football Focus and Match of the Day.