Newcastle have warned the Football Association they will fight to keep Eddie Howe after Gareth Southgate resigned as England’s manager on Tuesday saying it was “time for change and for a new chapter”.
Southgate announced his departure two days after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain and players including Jude Bellingham paid tribute. Bellingham said it was “a privilege being led by someone who is so dedicated and passionate”.
Howe is high on the FA’s shortlist, along with three out-of-work former Chelsea managers: Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino. Howe has previously described the England post as “the ultimate” job and is thought to be open to discussions should the FA approach Newcastle.
His contract is understood to contain a £5m release clause but Newcastle’s chief executive, Darren Eales, made clear an approach would not be welcome. “I’m not going to talk about the specifics of Eddie’s contract but he’s on a multiyear deal, which was extended last summer,” Eales said. “He’s our employee and we’re not looking to release Eddie.”
Asked whether Newcastle would fight to retain Howe and envisaged him being in post at the start of the season Eales said: “Absolutely, yes. Eddie’s been an amazing manager and we’re committed to him.”
Howe “loves the day-to-day of club football”, Eales said. The former Bournemouth manager could, though, view the England job as too good to turn down. England’s next fixtures are against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League in September.
Eales conceded he and Howe had “not had recent discussions” about the England job. Howe’s silence on the issue during Newcastle’s pre-training camp in Germany has prompted fears he may struggle to reject England. Howe worked closely with Amanda Staveley, Newcastle’s former co-owner and director, and her recent departure has almost certainly offered the FA encouragement.
The FA had hoped Southgate would extend his contract but he has decided to seek a new challenge after eight years as England’s manager and 13 years at the governing body. “It has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” he said. “It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”
The 53-year-old is England’s most successful manager in terms of consistent major tournament performance. England also reached the European Championship final in 2021, losing against Italy, and a World Cup semi-final in 2018, when they were beaten by Croatia. In his other World Cup, they were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals.
Southgate spent much of Euro 2024 under huge pressure after poor performances in the group stage and in the last 16 against Slovakia. He had empty beer cups thrown at him and boos directed at him after England drew 0-0 with Slovenia in their final group match.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” Southgate said.
Others in the FA’s thinking are likely to include Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 manager, and the former England internationals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The hiring process will be overseen by the FA’s technical director, John McDermott, and the chief executive, Mark Bullingham. Pochettino has a strong relationship with McDermott from their time together at Tottenham.
Bullingham said Southgate had “made the impossible job possible”. And Bellingham said: “Not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being. Thank you for everything.”
Southgate has admirers at Manchester United, who gave Erik ten Hag a new contract this summer. His only managerial job in club football was with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009.
