Newcastle United chiefs were in Matfen Hall this time last week and while many questions were unanswered externally, one thing was crystal clear
17:55, 06 May 2026
Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United chiefs gathered at Matfen Hall last week to hold discussions on all of the burning questions hovering above the club’s fanbase in what has been a testing 2026.
Some of those questions, such as the move to the new training ground, an update on the stadium project and how much money Newcastle have to spend in the summer, remain unanswered. However, perhaps the biggest poser of them all from the Matfen Hall summit was the future of head coach Eddie Howe.
That question now feels like it has been answered with nobody from St James’ Park shutting down talk on the boss remaining in post next season. In fact, Newcastle chiefs have shot down any suggestions that Howe would leave this summer.
Now that the dust has settled on the meeting, it appears that the off-site meeting concluded that Howe would lead the Magpies forward for another season. And while some insiders insist there was “debate” over the way the season has unfolded, it was clear that Howe’s future was never under any serious doubt after his first real hiccup as head coach in five years.
Even after dropping from fifth to 14th, now back in 13th, Howe is believed to have put forward a convincing claim that he can not only fix some of the issues, but can work in what will be an SCR-dominated summer.
On Sunday, less than 24 hours after the 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, stories began emerging that Howe was safe as head coach going into the 2026/27 campaign. This came after Chronicle Live had been told that claims from Richard Keys and beIN Sports, which suggested that Howe was “gone”, weren’t accurate.
And while we have also been told that further conversations will follow before summer planning gets under way, it is expected that only a dramatic slump in results would result in serious questions.
PIF seem content with the plan that Howe has moving forward with one source stating that the only storyline coming out of the club is: “Manager with contract continues to have a contract.”
After the game with the Seagulls, Toon chairman and PIF supremo Yasir Al-Rumayyan emerged for a kick about with fellow director Jamie Reuben. PIF flew back to the Middle East and did not release any statements with those at the club admitting it was “business as usual”.
Bruno Guimaraes shows touch of class
It’s been a tough week for Newcastle youngster Lewis Miley after he broke his leg in training at Benton.
Miley has been ruled out for the rest of the season after the club announced the news this week. One of the first on the scene was club skipper Bruno Guimarares.
But after the news was confirmed, Bruno then took to Instagram to post: “Very sad for you my brother! Wish you a speedy recovery, and you know that you can count on me. Love u my guy.”
A Premier League debut beckoning
Newcastle youngster Leo Shahar could get the chance to step up after Miley’s injury this week. Shahar came on as a sub in the 3-2 win over Qarabag in the Champions League in February at St James’ Park.
With Tino Livramento and now Miley on the sidelines, Newcastle are down to the bare bones at right-back. Trippier is more than likely to start against Nottingham Forest, but the prospect of a top-flight bow for the 19-year-old, who signed from Wolves, seems on the cards before the month is out.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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