31 December 2023 , 09:30
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Last Christmas Newcastle were flying, Eddie Howe was a genius and his players were world beaters.
Twelve months on and criticism has kicked in.
Howe, the theory goes, has flogged the same team too long and has no “plan B”. Dan Burn is no left back, right winger Miggy Almiron can’t kick with his right foot and Bruno Guimaraes goes missing.
Welcome to Newcastle, the one club city where everyone wants to be the manager. Of course, the scrutiny faced by coaches and players is much the same elsewhere, yet it feels more of a head spin when in the dugout at St James’ Park.
See for instance Sir Bobby Robson, driven out a few games into a new season after finishing fifth. Graeme Souness likened the city to a “goldfish bowl” for players.
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The likes of Steve Bruce, Steve McClaren and Sam Allardyce could never get enough wins to get ahead of the critical churn, and even promotion winning, uber-political crowd orchestrator Rafa Benitez found himself on the wrong side of the “style” debate on Tyneside.
So when a bad run like six league defeats in seven games comes along, no wonder mock boardroom discussions are held in pubs and front rooms across the city. It’s the default comfort zone of fans and journalists, and I could include myself. Losing streak, everyone wants to be the harshest critic and standout alternative voice.
Newcastle's owners appreciate that Eddie Howe has the Magpies ahead of schedule (Visionhaus/Getty Images)Post-defeat emotion earns a few likes on social media. A bit of perspective is needed. Yes the Saudis “want to be number one” and in the Champions League, and to win something, leading to expectations rising.
But the ownership also believes Newcastle, relegation candidates and underinvested in for a decade, are two years ahead of schedule. Howe will be allowed to sort out his current difficulties and build some more. Squad upgrades, a few sales, and a refresh.
A win against Sunderland in the FA Cup next week, would quieten the chatter.