EDDIE QUASHES ENGLAND RUMOURS ONCE AND FOR ALL
Eddie Howe has finally, and it would appear definitively, put an end to any concerns that he may take up the job of England coach, vacant since Gareth Southgate resigned after the Euros.
His declaration comes on the back of weeks of speculation following various press briefings that he gave following the appointment of Paul Mitchell as Sporting Director, and Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad leaving the club.
Speculation has been rife that Howe's comments were signalling a power struggle between him and Mitchell, who joined the Japan contingent in Tokyo yesterday.
All concerns appeared to be laid to rest, however, with the news that Mitchell was there for a transfer summit with Howe and CEO Darren Eales.
Eddie Howe stated that any perceived concerns regarding "boundaries" and "collaboration" had been addressed. He said, "It is not about having a final say. It is about collaboration. We have had positive talks and we are trying to bring the right players to the football club. But it is never about one person's decision."
Meetings are planned in Tokyo between Howe, Mitchell, and CEO Darren Eales as Newcastle look to get business done before the opener against Southampton in the Premier League. Outgoing business is also expected to be on the agenda.
Regarding the England job, which he was once again grilled about, he said, "I have had no contact whatsoever from anybody (from England) - I am fully committed to Newcastle.
"There is nothing to talk about, I do not need to address the players. They know how, by how I act, and I hope they can see how I am on a daily basis to see how committed I am to the club too."
"Last season was an amazing season for us. The experience in the Champions League was incredible and I think our aim has to be to try to get back there. Our focus is now having another memorable season."
With Bruno Guimaraes (seen here with J7 wearing the released-today 3rd kit) now back with the group, the Brazil international was seen smiling and enjoying the session with his team-mates. Club released footage shows a player rapturously embraced by his teammates and looking far from a player that has had his head turned.
Howe said: "We're delighted to have him back. It always gives us a boost and suddenly we have more numbers in training. Today was the first day we have seen the group at its strongest this summer and we have quality returning with Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier.
"His release clause was never something on my mind. I don't think it was on his mind either but of course it was there and I am really delighted it has passed with nothing happening. Now we can focus on him being at Newcastle and having another season like he did last year."
Journalists and media personnel, seemingly unhappy that there was harmony in the camp and that Eddie was not interested in the England job, and ever eager to stoke the flames of disquiet, had one final poke among the embers by asking if there were any more "time-sensitive" clauses that could kick in, Howe said: "I don't think so but I am not certain."
Newcastle face Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium tomorrow, 31/7/24, and NUFC TALK TV will be doing a live watchalong on YouTube starting at 1045am.
Please tune in and enjoy the show.
Howe, paying tribute to the host country, said, "We are delighted to be in Tokyo and we are really excited to be on this trip. Japan is an amazing country and Tokyo is an amazing city. We are very privileged to be here."
This followed amazing images of Tokyo's cityscape with almost all neon advertising taken over by SELA & NUFC.
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