Eddie Howe has announced his resignation as Newcastle United manager after a five-year spell that saw the club qualify for the Champions League and pick up its first big trophy at home in 70 years.
Howe, 48, told Newcastle that he felt the time was right to leave their club on Friday, in a move confirmed by the Newcastle administration.
In a statement, Howe said he has now decided it is time for him to retire from his current position as head coach of Newcastle United.
In a club that has been a constant source of joy and inspiration for me, with nearly 5 years of giving my all to the organization, I feel it is best for me and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.
In 2021, Howe was appointed as the manager of Newcastle and led them to one of their best seasons in recent years.
In 2023 and 2025 he took the Magpies to the Champions League, and in the same year he took them to League Cup glory.
The victory marked Newcastle's first major home title in 70 years and gave Howe his first major home honour in seven years.
But his move came after a poor season for Newcastle, who finished in 12th place in the Premier League after 17 defeats in 38 games.
His last game in charge was when he was beaten 4-1 by Bristol City in a pre-season fixture on Wednesday.
Howe said it had been a very tough decision to leave Newcastle but said it was the right one for both the club and him.
In his heart, he knew that it was the right one. “When I come to the decision to make a choice, Newcastle is always at the forefront of my mind.”
Being the manager of Newcastle United has been a privilege of my lifetime.
Newcastle took his advice and in his time at St James' Park, gave Howe his thanks for his feedback.
The club has welcomed Eddie's decision and expressed its gratitude for his “extraordinary contribution”, Newcastle said.
Howe's back room staff, such as Howe's side-back, Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone will also depart the club.
Newcastle will also be making changes to their technical group with Head of performance Dan Hodges to go.
Matthias Jaissle, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli's coach, will likely replace Howe.
Both Newcastle and Al-Ahli are part of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The change at the helm follows a period of much upheaval in Newcastle's squad.
It was last year that the club sold Swedish striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool, and then midfielder Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur and winger Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
The departure of Howe could also be a catalyst for a new era in Newcastle, as Captain Bruno Guimaraes could be heading for the exit as well.
