Eddie Howe has the skills and attributes of some of the greatest managers to have graced the game - and won’t be afraid to make the ‘tough decisions’ needed at Newcastle United, according to Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler.
The 76-year-old spoke exclusively to Chronicle Live about his memories of Newcastle United’s five-nil thumping of Man United back in 1996, and also shared his thoughts on the modern-day Magpies. Tyler has led Sky Sports’ coverage of the Premier League since the top flight’s formation in 1992 but his career spans back to the 70s - and so he knows a thing or two about top managers.
Speaking about Howe, who replaced Steve Bruce as Toon manager shortly after the October takeover of the club, Tyler praised him not only for his talents as a coach but also for holding out for the right job to return to after leaving Bournemouth in 2020.
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“Sometimes you have to look at what the expectation is when you arrive, and if it had just been a straight change under the previous owner then it would have been 'just get us into 17th place' and that would have been enough. Eddie is a very easy-going guy to talk to, very calm and mild-mannered - he has some style about him.
“What I've learned about Eddie, though, is that he's got all the hardness of some of the great managers, the toughness of being able to make big decisions - some decisions that are being made now I would imagine. He's waited for this opportunity, which must have been difficult because he had other chances to go back in.
“I admire him for that. Sometimes people just dive straight into the next pond and just hit the bottom. Being out of football when you've been in it for such a long time can be disorientating, so he kept his cool, he waited for the opportunity and he's taken it.”
Howe is the first managerial appointment of the owners since they purchased the club from Mike Ashley last year. Amanda Staveley and Jamie Reuben are backed by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund - the Public Investment Fund.
The fact the majority shareholder comes from Saudi Arabia has provoked criticism from many people especially given the country’s poor human rights record. For Tyler, who has seen many different owners come and go at Premier League clubs, he is hoping that the issues will continue to be talked about.
“It is clear the ownership issue has been an issue but I go to cover the football view, and the football is what the fans go to see,” he added. “It is a difficult subject to discuss but I hope that the values of Newcastle have an effect on the ownership as deeply as the finances of the owners will have an effect on the people of Newcastle.
“I hope it's a two-way learning process. That's really what I would like to say - I'm a great believer that isolation is not good and being together, discussing difficult issues, issues where there is room for discussion, is very, very important. I think all the commentators going to Qatar will all feel the same - we're not going with our eyes, just blinkered on the football.
“You have to pass on whatever thoughts you have when you have the opportunity to do so, that's shining a light on it. I'm sure the ownership and the fan base will teach each other plenty of things in the years ahead because it looks like it's there financially and some of the signings have already proved their worth.”
Howe brought his own staff into the club when appointed in November 2021 as well as deciding to keep Graeme Jones on as part of the coaching. Jones had taken temporary charge of the club after Bruce was sacked, and led Newcastle to two points from a possible nine.
Keeping Jones as part of the coaching staff has the backing of Tyler. “I'm very glad Graeme Jones has been kept on - he has a great depth of knowledge of the area, and of football too with Belgium and then with England. Two terrific tournaments for a coach to be involved in and that experience is invaluable.
“I have to say that I think all those who've worked really hard before deserve their place in history. I think Steve Bruce is a great guy and somebody who I have seen first hand because he's an open book for commentators and a brilliant help to commentators. He had the difficulties of what happened before but it was a happy ending to the season, and the future looks very bright.
“It's all looking like everything is in place for the club to move onwards and upwards. I wish Eddie and his staff every success in what lies ahead.”
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