- Alan Shearer wants Eddie Howe to remain Newcastle manager despite exit from the cup
- Newcastle’s last chance at silverware ended with defeat to Manchester City
- We’ve already conceded more goals than last season… Why Newcastle aren’t the force they used to be – It’s all a kick-off podcast
Alan Shearer believes Newcastle boss Eddie Howe still has plenty of credit in the bank despite the Magpies’ FA Cup exit.
Two deflected goals from Bernardo Silva in the first half saw Manchester City continue their quest for a double treble at the expense of Howe’s men at a rain-soaked Etihad Stadium.
The defeat leaves Newcastle with little to play for in what remains of the season, with the club having eliminated all cup competitions and struggling to reach Europe in the competition.
It’s a far cry from Newcastle’s performance last season, when they finished in the top four and qualified for the Champions League, and it sparked speculation about Howe’s future at the club.
However, Shearer told the BBC that the Magpies boss deserves to continue the work he has done at St James’ Park.
Alan Shearer has backed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe in the wake of Newcastle’s cup exit
Howe’s side were defeated by Manchester City thanks to two deflected goals from Bernardo Silva
The defeat leaves Newcastle without silverware and facing an uphill battle to enter Europe
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“It was tough and I think there were extenuating circumstances,” Shearer said.
“When you talk about the injuries, especially against Pope, and especially against Joelinton. They really missed those two players because they add so much to that team.
But I think: I know he has enough in the bench and that whatever happens next season he will be Newcastle manager.
‘Whether he ends up in the middle of the table, or whether they can get a place somewhere in Europe. But he has plenty in the bench for what he did last season. I think they have that belief in him, and you should too.”
Newcastle have suffered long-term injuries to key players this season, most notably goalkeeper Nick Pope, and we’ve seen them crash out of European competition, bowing out of both cups at the quarter-final stage – even though they suffered tough draws in both games. as well as their difficult Champions League group.
If they want to avoid the same thing happening next season, Shearer believes Howe needs to be supported in the summer and get some new players. Especially since some of the current crop has failed to find the same shape as last year.
The club legend added; ‘I would say he needs new players in the summer.
The Magpies have missed key players through injury this season, including Nick Pope (above)
Shay Given believes Newcastle overachieved last season and that a comedown was natural
“He needs that chance to get a few out, a new set of legs need to come in, they need to come in.” But there are a lot of players who certainly haven’t reached the heights of last season this season – at least four or five of them.”
Sitting alongside Shearer in the studio, his former Newcastle teammate Shay Given said the club’s performance last season may have raised expectations too high, but he agrees Howe is still the right man for the job.
“There is an argument that they overachieved last season, but the decline this season is probably logical,” the former goalkeeper said.
“They’ve missed big players, you know, Joelinton and Nick Pope. Even Callum Wilson probably deserves a mention for his goals. So I think there is enough credit in the bank already and the fans like him.
‘But when you’re out of the cup and all cups and you’re in mid-table there will be question marks, but for me he’s the man to take the club forward.’
Newcastle currently sit 10th in the Premier League, 15 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
