Eddie Howe ready for ‘special game’ against former club Bournemouth

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted it will be a “special game” when the Magpies host his former club Bournemouth on Saturday.

Howe spent nearly eight years on the south coast, overseeing the Cherries’ promotion to the Premier League and he expressed his gratitude towards the club.

He said at his pre-match press conference: “I think certainly it’s not just about me, it’s the staff as well, we’ve got a lot of people who have got a lot of connections with the club.

Eddie Howe on Bournemouth:"I personally feel a huge sense of gratitude to the club and everyone connected with it. I wouldn't be sat here now if it wasn't for AFC Bournemouth. We'll be competing to win the game and are desperate to do so but it will be a special game for us." pic.twitter.com/H86u8doF2i

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 16, 2022

“I personally feel a huge sense of gratitude to the club, to everyone connected with the club during my time there.

“I wouldn’t be sat in this position now if it wasn’t for AFC Bournemouth, I just want to say a big thank you there to everyone and obviously we’re competing to win the game and are desperate to do so, but it will be a special game for us.”

Newcastle return to action after football fixtures were postponed last weekend as a mark of respect following the death of the Queen, but the Magpies will be hoping to build on the performance from their last game against Crystal Palace.

Despite having plenty of chances against Palace the match finished goalless, but Newcastle controversially had a goal chalked off after VAR ruled Joe Willock had fouled goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in the build-up to Tyrick Mitchell’s own goal.