April 16 – Eddie Howe has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the “messages and warm wishes” he’s received after Newcastle United announced their manager was hospitalised with pneumonia.
The 47-year-old had been feeling unwell for several days but, demonstrating his dedication to the club, was still preparing for Manchester United’s visit before ultimately being admitted to the hospital last Friday.
In his absence, the Magpies delivered a performance that would have made their manager proud, dismantling the Red Devils 4-1 with a magnificent display of high-intensity, attacking football while Howe watched from his hospital bed.
“A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family,” Howe said in a statement released by the club.
“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.”
During Howe’s recovery, assistant manager Jason Tindall and first-team coach Graeme Jones will lead the team for upcoming Premier League fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa on April 16 and 19, respectively.
No timeframe has been given for Howe’s return to the Newcastle touchline, with Tindall emphasising that the manager’s health remains the top priority.
“We’ve had minimal dialogue together since that announcement,” Tindall revealed. “He’s in the best possible hands and he’ll be back as soon as he feels he’s ready to come back 100% to lead the team.”
He added: “There is no exact timeframe. That is something we will assess day by day. He will only come back when he is ready to come back and it will be on the guidance of the people taking care of him.”
Just last month, Howe cemented his place in Newcastle folklore by guiding the club to their first piece of domestic silverware in 70 years with a memorable 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1744791793labto1744791793ofdlr1744791793owedi1744791793sni@o1744791793fni1744791793