30 December 2023 , 22:30
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Eddie Howe has been assured by Newcastle United's owners that his job is not under threat despite a run of worrying results.
There have been suggestions from some quarters that the Saudi Arabia backed Toon are searching for a so called big-name manager to move the ambitious club to the next level. It has come in the light of exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup in tandem with a slump in their league form.
But following the latest set-back, a St. James' Park defeat against lowly Nottingham Forest and ahead of their game at Liverpool on New Year's Day, co-owner Amanda Staveley visited the dressing room to offer her support and tell Howe that there is no pressure on him coming from the boardroom. The Newcastle hierarchy know tat a glut of injuries has undermined manager Howe’s ambitions to build on last season’s fourth place in the Premier League.
With that in mind Sunday Mirror can reveal that there have been changes behind the scenes to try and get to the bottom of why they the squad has been continually hit this season with injury problems. The physiotherapy unit has been tweaked while training patterns have also been forensically examined.
Howe will also be backed in the January transfer window as he looks to bring in a new keeper, a midfield player and a striker to help ease the burden on a depleted squad. But because of Financial Fair Play restrictions the club are limited in their options with loan moves preferred.
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Howe, though, is still very much in control as his Tyneside reign enters its third year. His faltering side face a tough schedule even after their trip to Anfield, as next up is the small matter of a first Tyne-Wear derby in seven years away to Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.
Newcastle have fallen apart in recent weeks (Stu Forster/Getty Images)Get involved! Will Newcastle rediscover their form against Liverpool? Give us your score prediction in the comments section.
Following that, it's a salivating clash with reigning champions Manchester City on home soil. "They're tough games coming up, of course, but they're the games you relish," Howe said on Friday.
"I think we've had a lot of those games this season against very good teams so we're not daunted by it - we will attack it and give it our best shot. Recent results have been a challenge for us - the last couple of performances haven't been as good as they can be - so we're determined to get back and produce our best football."