
Intensity, Team Photos & Fatherly Advice: Inside Eddie Howe Newcastle Transformation
Eddie Howe Leadership: From Relegation Battlers to Champions League Contenders
In November 2021, Newcastle United found themselves in a precarious position, sitting second from the bottom of the Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Brighton. The club was battling relegation and staring down the possibility of a return to the Championship. But amid this crisis, a new chapter was about to unfold. A Saudi Arabian-backed consortium had recently taken over the club, igniting hopes of a bright future filled with Champions League football and trophies. Yet, the optimism seemed a distant dream as Newcastle’s struggles continued on the pitch.
It was during this turbulent period that Eddie Howe, the soon-to-be-appointed manager, watched from the stands. Howe, who would take over the managerial reins in November 2021, was about to embark on one of the most remarkable managerial transformations in modern football. In just 18 months, Howe would lead the club from relegation contenders to a team on the cusp of European glory. Now, as Newcastle finds itself one win away from ending its 70-year wait for a major trophy, the story of Eddie Howe’s transformation of the club stands as a testament to his leadership and vision.
The Making of Eddie Howe: A Manager with a Vision

Eddie Howe poses for a photo as Bournemouth manager in 2009
Eddie Howe’s journey to becoming one of the most respected managers in English football began at Bournemouth, where he proved his mettle as a manager by taking the club from the brink of relegation in the Football League to the Premier League. His first managerial job at Bournemouth set the stage for his approach to football, one that emphasized team cohesion, fitness, and individual player development.
Howe’s management style was influenced by two key figures: his former Bournemouth manager Sean O’Driscoll and legendary basketball coach John Wooden. O’Driscoll’s football philosophy focused on creativity, possession, and a calm, non-confrontational approach to man-management. Howe, who worked closely with O’Driscoll during his playing days, absorbed these lessons, shaping his own leadership style. O’Driscoll’s emphasis on building relationships with players and focusing on their individual development left a lasting mark on Howe.
Additionally, Howe found inspiration in the work of John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach. Wooden’s philosophy of treating players as individuals, each with unique needs and concerns, resonated deeply with Howe. This approach would become a hallmark of Howe’s management at Newcastle, where he prioritized getting to know each player both as an individual and as a footballer.
Howe’s Fatherly Approach: Building Trust and Improving Players

Eddie Howe talks to his Newcastle players
Upon taking charge of Newcastle, Eddie Howe immediately set about implementing his methods. His work ethic was nothing short of exceptional; Howe’s days began at 6 am and often stretched into the evening. Training sessions became more intense, with the aim of improving the players’ fitness levels and technical abilities.
One of the key aspects of Howe’s managerial approach was his ability to form strong bonds with his players. Rather than treating them as mere assets on the field, Howe saw them as people with lives, families, and personal struggles. This approach fostered a deep sense of trust between Howe and his players, and it allowed him to bring the best out of them, both on and off the pitch.
Newcastle defender Dan Burn recalls how Howe’s training sessions were incredibly demanding but also enjoyable. “What I find crazy about the gaffer’s training is that we never seem to do the same session twice,” Burn said. “He has so many sessions saved, and every single day is something completely new. I really enjoy training, and it’s something I look forward to every day.”
Howe’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level set him apart from other managers. Midfielder Sean Longstaff, for example, shared how Howe had become a fatherly figure to him. “I am a dad now, and you can speak to him about advice and stuff,” Longstaff said. “He pulled me in once and gave me a book that he gave to his children. It is more the part that people don’t see; it is why I love him so much.”
The Transformation of Joelinton: A Testament to Howe’s Coaching

Newcastle players and coaching staff celebrate after a win in December 2024
One of the most significant examples of Eddie Howe’s ability to get the best out of his players is the transformation of Joelinton. The Brazilian midfielder arrived at Newcastle in 2019 for £40m, initially struggling in a striker’s role. He was quickly labeled an expensive flop as his inability to score goals weighed heavily on his reputation. However, Howe had a different vision for Joelinton.
Rather than discarding him, Howe moved Joelinton from the forward position to midfield, and the Brazilian flourished. He became a key figure in the midfield, earning praise for his tough tackling and combative performances. Howe’s belief in Joelinton’s potential, and his willingness to work with him on an individual level, transformed the player’s career at Newcastle.
“Howe improved me as a player, not just me but other players that were here before him,” Joelinton said. “He changed my position, but in general, his mentality, his passion, his desire to work every day and work hard to improve. He is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, not just as a coach but in general as a man. The way he treats every player, he talks not just about football but about life. He is always here for us. He is like a father figure.”
From Relegation Threat to Champions League Glory: Howe’s Impact
Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s fortunes took a dramatic turn. In his first season, Howe led the club from the brink of relegation to a solid mid-table finish. His methods began to pay off, and the players’ fitness levels, combined with their growing tactical understanding, saw Newcastle rapidly improve.
In his first full season at the helm, Howe’s influence became even more evident as Newcastle finished fourth in the Premier League, securing a coveted spot in the Champions League for the first time in over two decades. The club’s transformation from relegation battlers to Champions League contenders was nothing short of remarkable.
A key factor in this turnaround was the backing from Newcastle’s new owners. In the January 2022 transfer window, Howe spent £85m to strengthen his squad with signings such as Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, and Kieran Trippier. These players brought both quality and experience to the team, and their impact was felt immediately.
As the club’s safety was secured in the Premier League, Newcastle’s owners supported Howe further with a £123m spending spree in the summer of 2022. This included a club-record £63m deal for Swedish striker Alexander Isak, as well as the acquisitions of Sven Botman, Matt Targett, and Nick Pope. With these new signings, Newcastle’s ambitions shifted from merely avoiding relegation to competing for European football and silverware.
Fostering a Close-Knit Team: The Importance of Bonding
One of the most crucial aspects of Eddie Howe’s managerial success has been the close bond he has built between the players and the coaching staff. A pre-season training camp in the Austrian Alps in 2022 proved to be a turning point in strengthening this unity. The team’s chemistry was evident throughout the 2022-23 season, and this bond played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s challenge at the top end of the table.
Victory celebrations became a regular occurrence at Newcastle, with the club sharing team photos after every win. These images, posted on the club’s social media accounts, became a symbol of the unity and camaraderie that Howe had fostered within the team.
Eddie Howe’s Legacy: More Than Just Football
Eddie Howe’s transformation of Newcastle United is not just about football; it’s about the people involved in the club. Howe’s ability to inspire and develop his players, his fatherly approach to management, and his unwavering commitment to improving the team have turned Newcastle into one of the most exciting clubs in England. As the club now stands on the verge of ending its 70-year wait for a major trophy, Eddie Howe’s impact on Newcastle will be remembered as one of the most significant managerial turnarounds in Premier League history.
Under Howe’s leadership, Newcastle United has not only become a formidable force in English football but also a team that plays with passion, unity, and determination. It’s clear that Eddie Howe is more than just a manager—he is a father figure, a mentor, and a leader who has transformed the fortunes of a club and its players.
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