Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has been hailed by former Premier League duo Robbie Earle and Tim Howard after guiding his side to a crucial win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Magpies took another step towards top flight safety with the victory after three consecutive defeats. showcasing an ability to lick wounds and bounce back.
Howe has overseen a resurgence at St James' Park since taking over a side that was struggling to find its feet under Steve Bruce. With the help of some January transfer window reinforcements, the 44-year-old has steadied the ship and the club now appear well-place to avoid what would be a devastating return to the Championship.
Speaking after Newcastle's win over Wolves as documented by the Premier League on NBC podcast, former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle said: "The scenes at the end made it feel like this was more than three points. This was almost guaranteeing Premier League football next season at this football club and we know about the new takeover, we know about the money at this football club, but it's so important. Eddie Howe's job was to make sure he kept Premier League football and I think they've done that tonight.
READ MORE: Newcastle owners 'can't wait to spend' but point behind Neymar quip gives players incentive
"When you think about what Eddie Howe's done in a short space of time, just think of the job that Frank Lampard's done at Everton and how difficult it can be going into clubs, changing habits, changing losing ways. I want to know what are the first few things he wanted to work on because there was a lot going wrong at this football club when he got here and you can sometimes try and come in and do too much but I think there's probably two or three things he's worked on, the players have bought into it, they support him, and now they look like they're safe."
Both Howe and Lampard were drafted in to revive struggling clubs but the latter has not quite had the desired impact. Everton did come out on top against Manchester United at the weekend but before their shock win, they had won just one of their last seven in the league. As Magpies supporters will remember, that one win came against Newcastle at Goodison Park.
The praise for Howe was echoed by former Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, who referred to the understated manner in which the Newcastle boss goes about his business on the touchline. He said: "I think they're safe. Prior to the last three losses, they were unbeaten in nine and at home, we see why they're so good. We see what can be when you watch this crowd, they were up for it when the ball went in the back of the net twice, once was disallowed but they are hungry for success, hungry for goals, and hungry for the way that Eddie Howe plays.
"When I watch him on the touchline, he has a calm demeanour so when you talk about how he gets that point across, you can almost imagine him on the training ground being articulate, being calm, making sure that he gets his point across. Listen, the sign of a good manager is how often the light bulb can go off over players heads each and every day and it looks like he's getting that from his."
