Burnley’s fate leaves Howe sad
EDDIE Howe has sympathy for Burnley after relegating them from the top flight.
The Magpies’ boss has transformed United since November but went back to his old club yesterday to deal the final fatal blow to their Premier League status.
Speaking after the game, Howe said: “Today was a very, very difficult day for me because I have emotional ties to Burnley.
“All my thoughts are with the supporters, players and staff, the directors.
“It is a very proud football club and it hurts to see the club being relegated.”
Howe knows about the pain of the drop after going down with Bournemouth in 2020.
He added: “I have been in that position, I know how difficult that can be, I know the emotions going through everybody here and just big respect to them.
“I hope they bounce back very quickly, I am sure they are capable of doing it - but we know the Championship is a very difficult league.”
Victory for Newcastle made it 38 points in 2022 for Howe’s side - a tally bettered only by Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham - ahead of anticipated further investment this summer.
There was a time in January when this fixture might have been circled as a battle of two sides trying to dodge the drop but instead United have finished 11th, 14 points above Burnley.
Howe added: “I am not sure I could say I could see it coming.
“I have to compliment the players on how they have dug in, how they have united together.
“There were great examples today through the team in giving it all for the shirt and the players deserve credit.”