- Newcastle United should reluctantly part ways with Eddie Howe
- Magpies should move for Andoni Iraola
- Spaniard set to leave Bournemouth in the summer
It goes without saying that Eddie Howe will be remembered for a long time for what he’s done since taking over the reigns at Newcastle United.
Under the club’s new ownership, the Englishman has spearheaded the Magpies to UEFA Champions League football and even won the Carabao Cup last season, beating Liverpool in the final.
However, the 2025-26 campaign hasn’t been plain sailing as Newcastle continue to deal with problems on and off the pitch.
It could be argued that the man who broke the club’s 70-year trophy drought obviously deserves more time and grace.
That said, with Andoni Iraola set to become a free agent in the summer, Newcastle should pounce as the stars seem to be aligning for the dawn of a new era.
Newcastle should ditch Howe for Iraola
Before moving to Bournemouth, Iraola was a relative unknown outside Spain, despite enjoying a fantastic stint with Rayo Vallecano.
And his start at the Vitality Stadium was hardly a positive one as the Cherries struggled to find their way under him.
However, once Iraola got time to work with his players, they took to his free-flowing brand of attacking football like ducks to water.
The likes of Dean Huijsen, Iliya Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo all took their games to another level under him and moved on to greener pastures.
Despite their departures, Iraola has now spearheaded Bournemouth to European football for the first time in the club’s history, developing players such as Alex Scott, Kroupi Jr and Rayan, among others.
His impact in the Premier League has been so good that even Pep Guardiola sang his praises, describing him as an ‘incredible’ coach.
“After a win, there always is confidence,” said Guardiola via BBC in December 2023.
“They competed really well against Liverpool. Andoni is an incredible, well-respected manager in Spain and did an incredible job in Rayo Vallecano.
“[Bournemouth are] playing offensive and attractive football. What I see is a team with good spirit, not set back, and of course, the result gives confidence and when you don’t have it, you can’t produce that.
“In Spain, he is one of the youngest managers who has a better future – and training in the Premier League is an incredible success for him.”
These comments were made in late 2023 and Iraola’s stock has only been on the rise since, which goes to show just how highly rated he is in footballing circles.
No love lost for Howe
We’re not saying we absolutely want to see the back of Howe, as he has clearly played a massive role in Newcastle United becoming a force to be reckoned with.
However, with a coach like Iraola at the helm, the Magpies could go up a level or two and the proof is in the pudding.
Bournemouth have the 16th highest wage bill in the Premier League but they have consistently gone toe to toe with the big boys.
Now, with a bigger budget and better players, Iraola could genuinely do something special as he prepares to leave the South Coast.
Newcastle face an important summer transfer window and could offload some key players.
There have been reliable reports that Howe’s future is safe, but if Iraola is available and willing to take the job, the Magpies should bite the bullet and kickstart a new era at St James’ Park.
