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Exclusive: Eddie Howe’s England Snub a ‘Blessing in Disguise’ for Newcastle

Newcastle United favourite Warren Barton believes it was a 'blessing in disguise' that Eddie Howe was overlooked for the England job. Howe's success with Newcastle has been remarkable, leading them to fifth in the Premier League. Barton praises Howe's loyalty to the club and players, highlighting the special bond between Newcastle and its managers.

Neil Goulding
Neil Goulding

Last Updated: 2025-01-29

Louis Hobbs

3 minutes read

Southampton FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League

Southampton FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League by Serena Taylor | Getty Images

Newcastle United favourite Warren Barton believes it was a ‘blessing in disguise’ Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe was overlooked for the England job.

Howe is hot property on Tyne and Wear and has guided the club to fifth in the Premier League, as well as the League Cup semi-finals, and if the team can maintain their fine form this season then there’s every chance they can equal – or better – there highest fourth-place finish from the 2022-23 campaign.

“I wasn’t surprised Eddie was overlooked for England because I think the FA [Football Association] would have known he was really, really happy at Newcastle,” Barton told SportsBoom.com. 

“Thomas Tuchel was obviously out of work and keen to take the job."

“The FA probably thought it was going to be a tug-of-war, so that’s why they probably went with Tuchel and didn’t want to disturb Eddie’s situation at Newcastle."

“He probably made it very clear that was content at Newcastle and didn’t want to leave. He probably feels like he’s still got a lot of work to do."

“It’s great that he’s come out and said how lucky he is, because he is."

“Managers at Newcastle are lucky. If Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan can both say it, then you know you’re at a special football club.”

SEVENTH HEAVEN

Former England defender Barton enjoyed seven seasons in the Premier League with the Magpies and famously played in the team, then managed by Keegan, which narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester United.

The 55-year-old played 219 games for the club and was twice an FA Cup runner-up and also a UEFA Intertoto Cup runner-up during a distinguished career in the top-flight.

“I was at the club for nearly eight years and I loved every minute of it,” reflected Barton.

“For me it was a comfortable decision for the FA to make. Pep Guardiola would have been the ideal choice and, if not, then Jurgen Klopp or whoever it may have been."

“But Thomas Tuchel has good pedigree, a good understanding of the game and he knows the Premier League and know a lot of the players very well."

“It would have been a tough one for Eddie to leave Newcastle because he loves the club."

“He knows the challenges ahead and the pressures that go with being Newcastle boss, but he’s the right man for the job."

“Newcastle is a special club, it’s unique. Once the fans take to you, it isn’t half hard to leave."

“Once they feel like you’ve got their best interests at heart and you’re going to give everything, they really make you feel special and love you for that."

“It’s very, very difficult to walk away from the club because it is so special."

Barton added: “Eddie is very loyal to his players. He gives them a system to play for four or five games."

“As any coach would tell you it’s difficult to change when you’re winning games, but Eddie has stuck with the players he trusts and fined-tuned things.”

Neil Goulding
Neil GouldingSenior Sports Reporter

Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.