If reports are to be believed, Eddie Howe hasn’t taken long in channelling his inner Jimmy Pursey* (Sham 69) by taking his backroom team “down the pub.”
 
Having spent his first day in the job with a 12-hour shift at the training ground and his second day on media duty meeting the press corp, the Daily Telegraph reported that Howe took time out after training on Thursday afternoon to conduct a team bonding session with his backroom team of Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, Dan Hodges and Graeme Jones.
 
The Telegraph did not report on what was ordered food wise at the Three Mile “bistro pub" in Gosforth and nor was there any indiction from the table layout as to what team formation Howe and his backroom staff would be adopting when announcing the line-up for his first game against Brentford next weekend.
 
Coming from the relatively quiet football backwater of Bournemouth where he had two managerial spells between 2009 and 2020, interrupted by a 20-month spell at Burnley; Howe now finds himself well and truly under the media spotlight on Tyneside in what hopefully will prove to be a healthy environment for press and coach alike.

* for younger fans Jimmy Pursey was lead singer with English punk band Sham 69, formed in 1975.
 

In a refreshingly open interview on NUFC TV Co-Owner Amanda Staveley has spoken about the appointment of Eddie Howe as the club’s new head coach, the strategy that lay behind that appointment and the clubs ambitions in the January transfer window.
 
As previously reported in some quarters Staveley confirmed that discussions between Howe and the consortium had taken place before the takeover was cleared by the Premier League in early October. “We met with Eddie some time ago and discussed his appointment back when Mike still owned the club. But we do have to do a full search of the marketplace and find the perfect fit. Eddie is the perfect fit. We couldn't have imagined bringing in a better manager. He is so dynamic”.
 
On the transfer window Staveley stated, “We have got a robust business plan and we are developing that every week. We are preparing for the January transfer window. It’s ordinarily not a window we would look to invest in because you don't normally get the right deals but that is something that is important at the moment.”

​The full interview on NUFC TV can be viewed here.

Head coach Eddie Howe was formally introduced to the press at St James’ Park on Wednesday. Howe has initially signed a contract that takes him to summer 2024.
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With Tyneside still in peak takeover euphoria mode, it might be many more weeks, (if ever!) before that euphoria dissipates having listened to what Howe had to say. Not since 5th February 1992 and a certain Kevin Keegan was unveiled to an adoring public has a managerial appointment at NE1 been welcomed with such excitement.
 
“It feels fantastic to be head coach at Newcastle. I’m absolutely honoured, privileged. It’s an incredible moment in my life.”
 
 The full press conference can be watched on the club’s You tube channel here
 
Howe also announced that Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and Dan Hodges will be part of his backroom team. He also stated that he is 'delighted' to work with Graeme Jones and believes it will be a 'perfect match'.
 

It is with great sadness that we report on the passing of Newcastle United vice life-president Malcolm Dix.
Malcolm was an influential member of Sir John Hall's Magpie Group back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s having previously fought a long running battle of his own to bring about change in the boardroom of the club under the stewardship of Gordon McKeag.
 
Along with fellow supporters Peter Ratcliffe, John Waugh and Alan Rooney, Malcolm was instrumental in convincing Sir John Hall that the only way to rescue Newcastle United was by having someone with his public profile involved. A reluctant Sir John finally agreed and the Magpie Group was formed. Sir John may have been its face, but Malcolm, Peter, John and Alan were its beating heart. They were Supporters fighting for the future of their club and for that, theirs, and Malcolm’s own place in the history of Newcastle United was written and is one that should never be forgotten.
 
Passionate about sport and supporting young people to help achieve their sporting dreams Malcolm was president of Sport Newcastle. Budding paralympians, street cricketers, fencers and swimmers were just some of the sports people who benefitted from Malcolm’s patronage and support. 
 
Malcolm was a dear friend and inspiration to all involved with NUFC FANS UTD and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.