Eddie Howe is the smartest man in the building at St James’ Park. It is staggeringly stupid that the head coach has to defend himself against comments by the new club sporting director.
This is the same sporting director who, in the nine days since a controversial interview in which he questioned the transfer dealings of Howe and others, has not spoken with the manager to offer context and reassurance.
And so, on Friday morning, Howe answered questions on his relationship with Paul Mitchell, whose last communication with him was through the media. The club should have replaced the sponsors’ board backdrop with a washing line and dirty linen.
Howe would rather be talking about football. But, right now, his tactical approach is not confined to the pitch. He dealt with it skilfully, batting away sledge-hammer questions such as ‘is there a civil war?’ — in response to a Mail Sport headline — and instead choosing his shots carefully.
When, only a few minutes in, he was given an under-armer about how good it was that Mitchell had spoken in public, the brevity of his response was telling. He did not mention Mitchell by name and simply said it was good that others were communicating on finances.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe showed he is the smartest man in the building at St James’ Park
Howe was clever in the way in which he answered questions regarding Paul Mitchell
But when Mail Sport pressed Howe on Mitchell’s claim that the club’s transfer strategy was ‘not fit for purpose’ before his arrival this summer, he had clearly anticipated the delivery. There was a pause and an intake of breath before he said: ‘I think a few things on that.’
For just shy of a minute — a far longer answer than usual — he fiercely defended his transfer record, and with justification when Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have been bought for less than £200million.
‘We can hold our heads up very high,’ said Howe. ‘I took ownership of all those signings. They have been brilliant signings. We love them to bits.’
There is no doubt merit to Mitchell saying that evolution in terms of recruitment practices is needed. But to do it by labelling the current set-up primitive felt needlessly antagonistic. Howe’s own nephew, Andy, has been a big part of the scouting department.
So what did Mitchell mean when he said there was no clear transfer strategy at the club?
‘That is for Paul to answer,’ said Howe. ‘The scouting structure was there and whatever you think about the structure, I thought the results were very good.’
But the claim by Mitchell that he only played a ‘supporting role’ in recruitment this summer has rankled the most internally. He led negotiations during the failed pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and was in situ during the final two months of the window.
Howe was asked if it was he who had overseen transfers. ‘I don’t think it’s right for me to make individual comments in reply to Paul’s press conference,’ he said. ‘I don’t think that will help our current situation. It’s best for me to focus on the future.’
Newcastle have made some impressive signings while Howe has been at the club, including Alexander Isak
The first summer under the watch of chief executive Darren Eales has been like a throwback to the Mike Ashley era
Newcastle were unsuccessful in their attempt to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi
What does the future hold? Chief executive Darren Eales asked the Saudi owners for the keys to the kingdom earlier this year and so began the departure of co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
But the first summer under his watch has been like a throwback to the era of Mike Ashley, with claim, counter-claim, tension and unrest. Eales has formed a close allegiance with Mitchell and together they are going to do things their way. But if that alienates the head coach, then the club’s Saudi owners need to take more care in protecting their most valuable asset.
Howe wants to stay. He wants to be happy. He wants the relationship with Mitchell and Eales to work. He is open to change, and spoke positively about new performance director James Bunce, who has tweaked the training programme. If that benefits Howe and his team, he will be receptive.
What he is unlikely to welcome is another transfer window like the one gone, as well as press conferences mopping up the spillages of others. Howe is too smart for that and it’s about time his club caught up.