Eddie Howe update: Newcastle making contingency plan for rest of season

An update into the status of Eddie Howe has revealed that Newcastle are making 'contingency plans' in case their manager is ruled out for the rest of the season.

Newcastle announced on April 12 that Howe had been taken into hospital and wouldn't be on the touchline for the Geordies' match against Manchester United at St James' Park the following day, which they won 4-1.

And now, a new report into the status of Howe has revealed that he may actually be out of action for the rest of the month, and even beyond.

Jason Tindall was the man in the hot seat for Newcastle vs Crystal Palace, and it seems like that's a site we're going to be seeing for the rest of the season.

The Telegraph reported prior to the Palace game that Howe was set to miss the match, as well as Newcastle's game away fixture against Aston Villa as he recovers from pneumonia.

That means that Howe could be back in the dugout by the time Ipswich come to St James' Park on April 26, but it seems like Newcastle's medical staff, and those at the hospital working with Howe, are likely to be cautious with the 2025 Carabao Cup winner.

Trusted assistant Tindall and first-team coach Graeme Jones are the two men tasked with leading Newcastle out against Villa on April 19, and that's set to continue until Howe is deemed fit enough to return.

It's a big few games for Newcastle, who following their 5-1 win against Palace on April 16, went to third in the Premier League table, with the victory seriously aiding their chances of finishing inside the top four and qualifying for the Champions League.

On April 14, Newcastle confirmed that Howe had been hospitalised with pneumonia, but the club has yet to officially confirm when fans can expect to see their manager back on the sidelines.

As noted, there's no timeline on Howe's return, and Tindall has confirmed as much when speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle's game against Palace.

Tindall said: There is no exact time frame with Eddie. He will only come back when he is ready and it will be on the guidance of the people taking care of him. Hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later and it’s my duty to stand in for him until then. The thing that almost gives you comfort is that he’s in the best hands possible. He’s not a silly guy, he’ll take notice of what’s said to him and he’ll make sure he’s fully recovered when he comes back at a time when he feels 100 per cent to lead the team. It’s really difficult, especially when it is someone you’ve worked so closely with for such a long time. It gives you a bit of a reality check and makes you realise your health is more important than anything else.”

As well as stressing that he'll step in as manager whenever asked, Tindall stated that he has had minimal contact with his friend as Howe focused on his recovery.

Newcastle's communications have included some comments from Howe himself, with the ex-Bournemouth manager thanking fans for their support and well wishes.

Howe said: "A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes,” he said. “They have meant a lot to me and my family. I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”

As noted, Newcastle have confirmed that Howe isn't going to be around for their game against Villa this week, but a return against Ipswich later on in April hasn't been ruled out.

The club are making contingency plans in case Howe isn't able to return, as has been reported, but the main focus for everyone involved is the health and wellbeing of the talented coach.

The next few clubs are huge for Newcastle though, with the club fighting for a spot in next season's Champions League, a competition they returned to last season.

The hope for the club is that they get Champions League football, which well aid their efforts to keep Alexander Isak at the club, with the Swedish striker attracting interest from several top European clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool.

If Isak isn't the move this summer, which is a real possibility considering the Geordies' have slapped a £150m price tag on his head, then Ladbrokes suggests that clubs should turn their focus to Liam Delap instead, with the Ipswich striker seen as a cheaper alternative to the Newcastle man.

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