"I think he's the perfect stop-gap, in terms of you can't go out and sign the big players, people are getting carried away [but] they're in a relegation battle, and I think he'd be perfect for that."
Before Eddie Howe had even taken the Newcastle United job, many were lining up to say he'd be the ideal fit for the Magpies - in the short-term. Darren Bent, as seen above, was one of many pundits who believed the former Bournemouth boss wouldn't be able to take the north east outfit to the next level in the long run.
Brought in to save the team from relegation before passing the gauntlet to a more experienced, big-name coach. That was the assumption by many supporters, rivals and those in the media. Yet Howe's stint so far has been much more than keeping the ship afloat.
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He dragged the club well clear of relegation, improving results and performances on the pitch and the training ground. He rekindled the bond between manager and fans that had been totally eroded. He brought proper standards back to the club in every aspect and has the full, unadulterated backing of the board.
Just listen to what Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson and Jonjo Shelvey have to say about the Newcastle coach. He has also revitalised the careers of Emil Krafth, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron. He has got Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar playing close to their best football, Matt Targett loves him, Allan Saint-Maximin has improved and there hasn't been close to a bad word said about him from any of the other squad members.
"He’s constantly on you, reviewing your game, showing you clips," Shelvey admitted last month. "He lives and breathes football and has instilled that into everyone at the club. It’s football, football, football. He’s helped me massively. I think last year I was really, really good defensively and it’s not natural for me to have a defensive mind."
As for the Newcastle owners, they have nothing but admiration for Howe and the job he has done. The final home game of last season saw the Magpies defeat Arsenal 2-0 before a joyful lap of honour under St. James' Park lights.
Amanda Staveley hugged and kissed the Toon boss, while Mehrdad Ghodoussi wrapped his arms around Howe and gestured to the crowd that the head coach was the main man and the real deal.
This season will, of course, provide tests. There is always the possibility Newcastle don't do as well as they expect. Pressure may be placed on Howe's shoulder but I don't believe the owners will for a second panic.
They trust the process and see a long-term future with their man at the helm. Staveley has already hinted they see Howe as their version of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
He may not last 27 years at St. James' Park... but Eddie Howe has penned a new long-term deal at the club and looks certain to enjoy a prosperous Newcastle stint before leaving as one of the club's all-time greatest managers - whenever that moment may arrive.
