'I was wrong' - Eddie Howe's biggest critics suddenly…

'I was wrong' - Eddie Howe's biggest critics suddenly backtrack after impressive Newcastle start

As the one-year anniversary of Eddie Howe's Newcastle United reign edges ever closer, some of those in the media who were so quick to write him off upon arrival on Tyneside are now eating a healthy dose of humble pie.

Of course, there were some reservations when he took the job. It was inevitable when the likes of Unai Emery, Rafa Benitez, Lucien Favre and Paulo Fonseca were being touted to replace Steve Bruce. There were also concerns over how far Howe could take the club and their new-found riches, as well as his defensive record at Bournemouth.

However, Newcastle fans were optimistic about the former Cherries coach, even as the naysayers flocked to the airwaves to voice their concern. A host of ex-players, managers, pundits and radio hosts offered their opinion - and are subsequently eating their words with the Magpies now in the top four.

Simon Jordan, former Crystal Palace owner and now talkSPORT regular, has been a target for Newcastle fans in recent months due to his takeover comments and criticism of Howe's appointment. He was the first to break rank after the 2-1 win over Tottenham, holding his hands up and admitting he called Howe's premiership wrong.

“There’s lots of things I got wrong,” he said. “I got it wrong that the ownership would take over. I got it wrong about the fact I didn’t think Eddie Howe could build a side that could defend. I got it wrong that Eddie Howe wouldn’t be the ultimate outcome.

“I still challenge whether Eddie Howe will take them to the promised land, but right now, where they are, you have to give a tremendous amount of appreciation to it."

His talkSPORT colleague, Andy Goldstein, was another to doubt the prospects of Howe leading Newcastle into their new era. He followed suit on Monday, telling Darren Bent he was also mistaken, going as far as to say the 44-year-old coach could manage any top flight side.

"I look at Eddie Howe, and look... I was wrong," he said live on air. "I'm stunned at not just how well he conducts himself and how he speaks, but his tactics and the feel good factor that he's brought.

"I now think Eddie Howe is a top, top manager and I think he's good enough to manage any side in the Premier League. I know it's early days but from what I've seen he has really surprised me."

Finally, there is Stan Collymore. A villain on Tyneside in the 1990s following the infamous 4-3 clash with Liverpool, the pundit is another who has changed his move over Howe in recent weeks.

"Hands up, I was wrong about Howe. I wasn’t sure he’d be able to make the step up to a bigger football club, particularly in a one-club city, after his last season at Bournemouth," he told the Daily Mirror.

“Look, I haven’t changed my mind about the geopolitics of it all. But there’s an earthiness and authenticity about the team under Howe and, I have to say, he himself is really looking the part.”

There is a long way to go before Howe convinces every single one of his critics to follow suit but Newcastle are well on their way to becoming a Premier League force - and the boss deserves every inch of credit for his performance thus far.

'I was wrong' - Eddie Howe's biggest critics suddenly backtrack after impressive Newcastle start

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