The staff at Newcastle knew Eddie Howe was different from the rest when he detailed his Saturday match-day routine.
If kick-off was 3pm at home, he would need his office at St James’ Park ready by 9.30am to allow him time to undertake final preparations in peace and quiet. Given that someone as meticulous as Rafael Benítez had tended to stroll into the ground sometimes after midday on such Saturdays it was clear Howe stood apart from his predecessors.
