The Premier League season is winding to a close, and for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, the final curtain cannot come soon enough. The 48 year o...
The Premier League season is winding to a close, and for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, the final curtain cannot come soon enough. The 48 year old tactician has admitted that the campaign has been a considerable challenge, as his Magpies prepare to host West Ham United at St. James. � Park on Sunday in what is their final home fixture of the term. Howe. �s side currently sit 13th on the log, a full 13 points adrift of the fifth place they occupied at the end of last season, and the gulf in performance has not been lost on the powers that be. In the scheme of things, Newcastle reached the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League and also advanced to the semi finals of the Carabao Cup, yet they glaringly underachieved in the league. When GoalZaza asked how he would characterise the season, Howe chose his words with the precision of a seasoned strategist.. �I suppose time will tell, to a degree, but my initial thought now is that I will look back with probably mixed feelings,. � he said.. �At the end of the day, we gave a good account of ourselves in Europe, but domestically we have not matched the standards we set. The lion. �s share of the blame must fall on my shoulders, and I accept that.. � Newcastle. �s struggles have been compounded by injuries to key men and a fixture pileup that would test any squad. The Nigerian international contingent at the club, though not as prominent as in seasons past, has nonetheless contributed where possible. As the dust settles on this campaign, Howe will be desperate to see his team finish strongly and give the Toon Army something to cheer at St. James. � Park. The clash against West Ham promises to be a taut affair, with both sides seeking to end the season on a positive note. For the fans who will pack the stands, it is an opportunity to applaud their stalwarts and perhaps bid farewell to those who may not feature in Howe. �s plans for the new term. Whether the manager himself remains at the helm beyond the summer is a question that only the club. �s hierarchy can answer. Across Lagos, particularly in bustling viewing centres like the one at Ikeja City Mall and the densely packed hubs in Surulere, the faithful will gather around giant screens to watch the drama unfold. As the final whistle goes, expect loud debates over cold bottles of Maltina and fried plantain, with some fans shaking their heads at Newcastle. �s slump while others will insist that Howe deserves one more transfer window. The air will be thick with analysis and the distinct aroma of suya as the beautiful game continues to unite Nigeria. �s football loving fraternity.
