Eddie Howe: The Underrated English Manager with a Promising Track Record
Eddie Howe, the current manager of Newcastle United, has been making waves in the English football scene for his innovative approach and consistent results. But his journey to the top is filled with complexities and media scrutiny. Let's delve into his career and assess why he is being considered as a potential replacement for Gareth Southgate as the England manager.
A Player and Manager in the Making
Before taking the helm of Newcastle, Eddie Howe made a name for himself as a player. He spent most of his career playing for Bournemouth from the 1990s to the 2000s, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. In 2008, he took his first managerial role with Bournemouth, marking the beginning of a promising journey.
Early Successes at Bournemouth
Howe's tenure at Bournemouth was marked by significant achievements. In his first three years as manager, he won 50 of his games, a remarkable feat that helped the club secure their place in the 4th tier in 2009. The following year, he guided Bournemouth to the 3rd tier, a testimony to his strategic prowess. His success continued as he led the club to a 2nd-place finish in the Championship in 2013, followed by a 10th-place finish in 2013–14. The pinnacle of his time at Bournemouth came in 2015 when he led the team to an English Premier League (EPL) promotion by winning the Championship title. These achievements have reshaped Bournemouth into a consistently competitive team in the EPL.
Challenges and Comebacks
However, the narrative around Howe isn't just about his successes. His career has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After a less successful stint at Burnley, where the team struggled to maintain their position in the Championship, Howe returned to Bournemouth in October 2012. Under his management, Bournemouth underwent a remarkable transformation, finishing the 2013–14 season in 10th place in the Championship and eventually securing a promotion to the EPL.
The Newcastle United Era
Howe's journey reaches its current chapter in 2021 when he moved to Newcastle. The team was in a precarious position, threatening relegation, when he took over in November 2021. With his leadership, Newcastle embarked on a successful journey: finishing 11th in the 2021–22 season, 4th in the 2022–23 season, and 7th in the 2023–24 season. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, and his name has been mentioned in discussions about replacing Gareth Southgate as the England manager.
The Case for Eddie Howe
Despite his consistent successes, the general sentiment in media and among EPL fans can be seen as a mix of admiration and criticism. His critics often point to the fact that his CV has three promotions, which is seen as insufficient. However, the prolonged stability and improvement of Bournemouth and Newcastle under his management should not be overlooked.
Given his experience and the positive impact he has had on two clubs, Eddie Howe is clearly a promising candidate for the England manager role. His strategic mindset, ability to build and develop teams, and consistent results make him a standout option. He is the best English option, provided he is willing to leave his current position at Newcastle.
Conclusion
Eddie Howe's journey is a testament to resilience, strategic acumen, and a deep understanding of English football. While he continues to face challenges and scrutiny, his track record speaks volumes about his potential to lead the England national team. For those who value consistency and improvement, Eddie Howe is undoubtedly the man to consider.