Former Premier League striker Shola Ameobi has firmly backed manager Eddie Howe despite Newcastle United’s recent struggles, insisting he remains the ‘best manager’ for the club.
The Englishman led the Magpies to end their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy after defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup last season. They also finished fifth in the league.
However, this season has been poor for the six-time FA Cup winners, with disappointing performances across all competitions.
They have now lost their last five matches, including a recent 1–0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, leaving them just eight points above the relegation zone.
Despite the team’s form and growing frustration among fans at St James’ Park, the former Nigeria international, who spent 14 years at the club, still believes that the former Bournemouth manager is the right person to lead Newcastle United forward.
“Absolutely. He’s the best manager for Newcastle United, irrespective of what’s happening right now,” Ameobi told Flashscore.
“We’re a little microcosm of the season, and things haven’t been great on the pitch, but it doesn’t mean that the direction of travel should change. Eddie Howe is the best manager for Newcastle United.”
Newcastle United have also dropped a league-high 25 points from winning positions, their second-worst record in a single season after 2004–05, while managing to collect just three points from losing positions, the joint-lowest in the division.
Many have pointed to Alexander Isak’s summer move to Liverpool on a six-year deal for a British record fee of £125 million (€144.5m/$169.3m) as a key reason behind the Magpies’ struggles.
Before leaving, the Sweden international scored 27 goals in all competitions during the 2024–25 season, but Ameobi disagrees, saying: “No, I think ultimately, players come and go. Teams are going to always want good players.
“It’s going to be the same this summer. We’ve got some good players that other teams will want. You have to deal with that if you want to be a top team.
“And ultimately, you have to be able to continue to work hard, find new players who can help you develop further, and get where you want to get to.”
Wissa and WoltemadeADAM VAUGHAN / EPA / ProfimediaAmeobi predicts better days for Wissa & Woltemade
Following Isak’s move to Anfield, Howe’s side invested in Nick Woltemade for £69m ($93m) and Yoane Wissa for £55m ($74m) to strengthen the attack.
Club-record signing Woltemade started brightly, scoring seven goals in his first 14 Premier League appearances and averaging a goal every 157 minutes with a 27% shot conversion rate.
However, the German forward has now gone 16 games without scoring, though he has only played 597 minutes in that period and has managed just five shots.
Meanwhile, DR Congo international Wissa has struggled with injuries, limiting his chances to make an impact.
Despite this, the 44-year-old remains confident that both players will eventually come good.
“Injury obviously derailed Wissa’s season. Ultimately, when you’re trying to come into a new team, when you get injured for a few months, it’s going to be hard to get back,” Ameobi added.
“I think he’s still trying to find his best fitness, and Nick is coming from a different environment, a different culture.
“Again, I know how hard it is to transition into a team, how hard it is to make that instant impact. He’s a great player, and I know he’s going to come good as he continues to develop in the team.”
Newcastle United will be hoping to end their poor run of form when they host high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
After their 2–1 win in October, the Seagulls are aiming to complete their second Premier League double over the Magpies, having last done so in the 2020–21 season.
On the other side, Howe’s Newcastle have also struggled in this fixture overall, winning just two of their 17 league meetings with Brighton (eight draws, seven defeats), although both victories came at home.
Shina OludareFlashscore