Eddie Howe has left Newcastle United after nearly five years in charge, the club confirmed on Friday, with the departing head coach describing the role as "the privilege of my lifetime."
Howe arrived at St James' Park in November 2021 and came to an agreement to leave with immediate effect this week after contemplating his future over the summer. He had informed Newcastle of his wish to leave earlier this month but stayed on until a replacement was found. German coach Matthias Jaissle has been confirmed as his successor ahead of the 2026-27 season.
In a statement shared by the club, Howe said the decision followed "a period of personal reflection." "After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break," he said. "Although it's been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it's the right one."
During his time at St James' Park, Howe transformed Newcastle from a side fighting relegation in his first season into European regulars, guiding them to Champions League qualification on two occasions. He also ended the club's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup.
"From fighting relegation in our first season to the numerous unforgettable nights at St. James' Park in the Champions League soon after. The progression was fast," Howe said. "Everyone came together, united and what a force we became, culminating in bringing home our first domestic trophy in 70 years. These are all memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
Howe's exit comes at a turbulent time for the club. Newcastle lost striker Alexander Isak last September and have since sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham this summer. Arsenal have also reached an agreement in principle to sign Bruno Guimaraes for a fee understood to be worth £77 million plus add-ons. Guimaraes had informed the Newcastle hierarchy of his desire to leave several weeks ago and did not travel with the squad to their pre-season training camp in La Manga on Friday.
In his farewell statement, Howe paid particular tribute to the club's supporters. "Your passion and loyalty have inspired me every single day," he said. "To stand on the touchline at St. James' Park as your manager with the honour of representing your club has meant more to me than you will ever know."
"While my journey as manager has now come to an end, the affinity and love I will always hold for Newcastle United never will," he added.
He also thanked the club's ownership group, including Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis, along with chief executive David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson.
Hopkinson said Howe and his staff leave "with the deep gratitude and respect of everyone at Newcastle United, and with a lasting place in the club's history." "While we are naturally disappointed to see Eddie leave, we remain immensely thankful for everything he has done for the club," he added.
