Eddie Howe is set to be appointed as the next manager of Newcastle United, a source has told CBS Sports.
Former Bournemouth boss Howe emerged as the favored candidate at St. James’ Park following the collapse of talks over the appointment of Unai Emery. Barring any further 11th-hour hitches, he is expected to sign a contract through to the summer of 2024 though there is a break clause in the deal that can be activated 12 months earlier.
Whether Howe will be in the dugout in time for Saturday’s match against Brighton remains to be seen with Graeme Jones having been entrusted with taking charge of the club since the sacking of Steve Bruce last month. Newcastle are still without a win in all competitions this season and the new manager’s immediate priority will be to achieve what for four straight seasons with Bournemouth, keeping them in the Premier League.
In the longer term, Howe’s remit will be to build a side that play with similar flair and energy to the best moments of his Bournemouth side, who over two separate spells from 2008 to 2020 took the club from England’s fourth tier to a regular presence in the top flight. The 43-year-old has been out of work since the Cherries’ relegation and rejected the chance to take over at Celtic in the summer.
Howe’s imminent appointment brings to an end what has been a lengthy pursuit for a new manager since Newcastle were taken over by a Saudi-led consortium on Oct. 9. Though Bruce was in the dugout for one more match — his 1,000th in management — Brendan Rodgers had already been sounded out and distanced himself from the job. The likes of Paulo Fonseca and Frank Lampard were also considered while earlier this week the club believed that they were close to appointing Emery only for him to back out, recommitting to Villarreal.
Under Jones’ interim tenure Newcastle have picked up one point, drawing away to Crystal Palace, and go into this weekend’s fixtures in 19th position, six points from safety.