21 December 2023 , 13:00
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is experiencing his first “dip” as Newcastle coach - but has warned Toon bosses about making any knee-jerk decisions around his future.
As Newcastle keeper Shay Given played 354 times over 12 years and saw the highs of a Champions League campaign and the lows of managerial sackings and turmoil. Howe is under a degree of pressure after demoralising cup exits in Europe and the Carabao Cup in seven days.
The Geordies have conceded 11 goals in the last 15 minutes of games, out of 22 all season. Given said: “You feel for Eddie and the staff. You need to be careful what you wish for.
“It’s a dip. I think he can build something long lasting at Newcastle, but there will be bumps in the road. That is part of it.
“It feels like they are just hanging in there to get more bodies back. It is a shame. They have all been big injuries. Other clubs will claim injuries too, but Newcastle’s have been bad ones.
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"[Jacob] Murphy and [Nick] Pope, dislocated shoulders. [Elliott] Anderson’s back. [Sven] Botman missed 17 games with his knee. They’re not niggles. Harvey Barnes, months out.
“Man U are hovering around Newcastle, Chelsea are well behind.. I feel Eddie understands the fans and the area. He has moved up here with his family and I know his staff are all in.
Shay Given believes Eddie Howe will turn it around and deliver success at St James' Park“The way he speaks is brilliant. He doesn’t stop the fans dreaming but he is realistic about the whole thing. He is a master politician. He gets it bang on when he speaks.
They have got the right person and you could say we are in a blip at the minute. But add a couple of players in January and they can push for top four again. This is a bit of a blip and the reinforcements are coming over the hill.”
Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit .