Newcastle started planning for Eddie Howe’s departure at the start of the year

Newcastle United’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, has revealed the club started preparing for Eddie Howe’s departure at the start of this year. 

Howe surprised Newcastle supporters when he stepped down as manager in late July. 

He had initially planned to continue in his role this season, but decided to end his five-year spell at St James’ Park because he felt it was in everyone’s best interests. 

Although Newcastle did not envisage Howe leaving in July, Wilson maintains his exit was not ‘chaotic’ because the club had a contingency plan in place. 

The Magpies formally announced Matthias Jaissle as their new head manager in early August. 

“We always knew where we were going to go,” Wilson said. “That doesn’t mean we were always going to Matthias, but he was always part of our planning. 

“Part of our responsibility as leaders of the club is to be prepared, and Eddie is an exceptionally talented coach. 

“That means he was probably going to do something else at some point, so we had to be prepared for that.”

Newcastle had a frustrating summer transfer window.

After entering a settlement agreement with UEFA for breaching their spending rules, selling Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali became essential. Bruno Guimaraes then joined Arsenal.

They missed out on top targets Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi, who opted to join Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively. 

Newcastle were tipped to struggle this season, but early signs have been positive. They have beaten Tottenham Hotspur and taken points against Liverpool and Bournemouth. 

Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Premier League with five points.