Newcastle key figure 'perfect' for St. James' Park challenge

Eddie Howe has proven himself to be the “perfect manager” for Newcastle, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The former Bournemouth coach arrived at St James’ Park in early November, and has done a fine job at the club to date.

When Howe replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle’s permanent manager, the side had failed to win any of their opening 11 league matches, and they were stuck in the relegation zone.

Indeed, Howe had to wait until his fourth game in charge to finally end the team’s winless run as they edged past Burnley 1-0. Heading into 2022, Newcastle still appeared to be in major danger of dropping down into the Championship.

However, they managed to put together a nine-match unbeaten streak in the league, which included six victories, to move clear of the bottom three.

They did slip to a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday, but Howe has guided Newcastle up to 14th place in the table.

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Downie has admitted that he had doubts about Howe when he was first appointed, but he is now fully convinced by the 44-year-old.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I have to say, when Eddie signed I wasn’t certain he was the right man for the job, and I think a lot of people were the same. But he’s really, really impressed in what he’s done, and I think he’s the perfect manager in the perfect moment for Newcastle.”

Howe has never panicked, no matter how gloomy the situation has looked for Newcastle at certain points this season.

His experience at Bournemouth, where he kept the South Coast club in the top-flight for a number of years, may have helped him stay calm in recent months.

Newcastle are close to sealing their place in the Premier