Eddie Howe had been considering leaving Newcastle since the end of the season, with the club aware of the possibility for the last two weeks before he finally quit on Thursday morning.
Newcastle have already identified their successor to Howe with Matthias Jaissle in advanced talks over taking the helm at St James’ Park.
The Magpies have been aware of Howe’s desire to depart for two weeks with an exit strategy in place since the early stages of pre-season. The 48-year-old had pledged to remain in post until a successor was secured.
Howe is now poised to step away from football and will not accept any immediate role elsewhere, but Newcastle have pinpointed Jaissle as their primary target.
Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson maintained secrecy around the situation to shield Howe and neither were surprised by his departure today, reports Chronicle Live.
Howe informed the board he required a sabbatical earlier this month before the circumstances culminated in his exit. One source suggested the demands of the role had taken their toll but also that he’d guided the Magpies as far as he was could.
The squad discovered the news today on a rest day as they jet off to La Manga without their Carabao Cup-winning boss.
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The groundwork for Howe’s departure was laid at the conclusion of last season when he requested contemplation time during his summer break, which was approved by Wilson and Hopkinson.
Howe departed for his summer holidays, seeking rejuvenation, and told club officials he was mulling things over following last season’s 12th-place finish.
He informed Newcastle in June that he was ‘fully committed’ for the 2026/27 campaign. However, the 48-year-old has since evaluated the circumstances and how events have developed, concluding he cannot provide what is required.
The head coach essentially ‘had a change of heart’ regarding his desire to guide the club into the new season, notified the board and subsequently departed once arrangements were underway for a replacement.
Howe’s remarks about lacking ‘control’ over transfers and being unaware whether Bruno Guimaraes would join the squad on Tyneside or while in Spain caught journalists off guard at Ashton Gate last night during the 4-1 defeat to Bristol City – a result that wasn’t the final straw, according to insiders.
Howe’s departure is considered an ‘energy thing’, with club sources emphasising that it is not related to politics or transfers or the players who have been brought in over the past month or so.
Newcastle sources maintain that Howe was kept informed on all transactions and was cited on all press releases regarding new signings with his consent.
His exit does not follow a major falling-out behind the scenes and bears no resemblance to Kevin Keegan’s departures in 1997 and 2008.
It has been characterised as an amicable parting, though PIF and the club’s board anticipated this development and have prepared accordingly.
Newcastle aren’t prepared to announce their new manager just yet, though discussions with Jaissle are well progressed and his Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are in negotiations with former Nottingham Forest and Wolves chief Vitor Pereira as they seek to replace him rapidly.
It remains uncertain how swiftly Jaissle could be installed but if not, Graeme Jones is a contender to take temporary charge with talks regarding the future of Howe’s coaching staff currently underway.
Newcastle bosses recognise they must accelerate matters and are planning transparent communication. Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall is also anticipated to depart the club.
Howe exits Newcastle with the club’s best wishes and there are believed to be no ill feelings whatsoever.