Newcastle new manager Eddie Howe said on Wednesday he could face rising hopes at the Premier League club following the Saudi-led takeover as he prepares for an uphill relegation battle.
Howe has replaced Steve Bruce at St. James Park after his predecessor left by mutual consent in October, 13 days after the change of ownership.
The 43-year-old former Bournemouth boss was appointed on Monday and took his first training session 24 hours later.
The Magpies, who won three matches under interim boss Graeme Jones, are second in the Premier League after failing to win any of their first 11 matches this season.
Howe, whose first game will be at home to Brentford on 20 November, knows there is enormous pressure to pull Newcastle away from the relegation zone and lay the groundwork for a more successful future.
Although he has never managed a club of Newcastle’s stature, he said his time at Bournemouth without fashion, which he led during two spells in charge in the Premier League from the fourth tier, would put him in good stead.
“The very existence of the club at Bournemouth was in danger if we failed – it’s a huge pressure,” Howe said in his first press conference as Newcastle boss.
“It’s a football club that’s going out of business. I really felt that pressure and I lived it every day. What an education that was for the first job.”
Newcastle were faced by relegation rivals Norwich and Burnley in Howe’s reign before challenging Christmas fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Howe said, “The work ahead is huge. It’s a very tough challenge. I’m under no illusions. We have a very tough fixture list in December.”
“We can only look at the horizon, try to win the next game and then try to prepare better for the next game.
“There is no magic wand. It will take a lot of effort to quickly fill in what we want in the players.”
‘perfect fit’
Newcastle owners, to director Amanda Staveley, have made it clear that they want to emulate the success achieved by Manchester City in the end since their Abu Dhabi bosses took over.
He is certain to provide money for a spending spree in the January transfer window, but Howe will not guarantee that his team can avoid relegation.
“Obviously we need to address this very quickly and quickly and move the league forward and avoid relegation,” he added. “I’m pretty sure we can, but I don’t make any promises on that.”
When Amnesty International accused Saudi Arabia of using the Premier League’s global appeal to “sportswash” its human rights record, Howe questioned Newcastle’s new owners.
“For me it was a football decision,” he said. “I am absolutely delighted to be the manager of Newcastle. I repeat myself, it is about football and I will concern myself with that.”
Howe said he has experienced the passion of Newcastle fans, who keep flocking to St James’ Park since 1969, despite the club not having any major trophies.
“The level of enthusiasm and respect shown to me and the level of interest in the players and the club is a new experience for me that I will love and buy,” Howe said.
“Everything felt right. The club’s charm is huge, the size and history of the club and obviously new ambitious plans. I thought it was a perfect fit for me.”
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