Shay Given Affirms Eddie Howe’s Long-Term Role at Newcastle

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given expressed his conviction that manager Eddie Howe represents “the right person” to lead Newcastle, suggesting that Howe and his squad would attain “heroes” status should they secure silverware for the club. Given’s remarks, made during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, preceded Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea and addressed the scrutiny facing Eddie Howe. He stated, “Every Premier League manager is under pressure after a couple of bad results,” adding, “But, I don’t think Eddie comes under that bracket, I really don’t – I think he is Newcastle for the long-term.” Given further commented, “I think the owners have a lot of time and respect for Eddie. It was a frustrating summer and Eddie maybe didn’t get the players that he wanted in the transfer window and that’s been a frustration for fans and anyone connected to the club.” He continued, “He hasn’t had the supply, Guehi was probably the big one in the summer – he really wanted him in, but couldn’t get the deal done. I thought they should have a plan B in place, but they didn’t.” Given reflected on the current season, saying, “It’s just frustrating this season because you roll back 12 months and there was Champions League football in Paris, Dortmund and Milan and now they’re mid table.” He concluded on this point, “I don’t think it’s time for panic, with Eddie at the helm we’ve got the right person, he just needs to get back to winning ways and the club will be fine.” Given also characterized the upcoming game against Chelsea as “a huge game” for the club. He elaborated, “They need to be really focused on the cup competitions, obviously there’s no chance of winning the league this season.” Given emphasized the importance of the atmosphere, stating, “The cup competitions, especially tonight at home under the lights, the place will be absolutely rocking – they have to use the crowd and atmosphere. “This group of players know silverware is the aim, if Eddie Howe and his team can do that, they’ll be heroes for a long time.””