Eddie Howe sends emotional message to Newcastle fans as club confirms bombshell exit – and labels his five-year spell at St James’ Park a ‘privilege of my lifetime’

Eddie Howe has delivered an emotional farewell to Newcastle United supporters as the club confirmed his departure in a statement on Friday.

Howe, who established Newcastle as European regulars and won the 2025 Carabao Cup during his near five-year spell in charge at St James’ Park, came to an agreement to leave his role with immediate effect this week after contemplating his future over the summer.

The Englishman informed Newcastle of his wish to leave earlier this month but agreed to stay on until a replacement was found, with German coach Matthias Jaissle now stepping in to succeed him ahead of the new 2026-27 season.

As part of a statement shared by the club to their website on Friday, Howe described the opportunity as a ‘privilege of a lifetime’.

‘After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United,’ he confirmed.

‘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.

‘Although it’s been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it’s the right one. I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here and this one is no different.

‘It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United.

‘It is difficult to put into words what this club, the city and its supporters mean, and will always mean, to me and my family. From the moment myself, Jason and all of the staff arrived nearly half a decade ago, Newcastle instantly felt like home and the people here welcomed us with open arms. We took huge pride in representing the club from day one and this city will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

‘There have been so many incredible moments in our time here. 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.

‘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.

‘I would like to put on record my sincere thanks and appreciation to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie Reuben, Jacobo Solís and everyone at PIF, David Hopkinson, Ross Wilson and the entire ownership and leadership group for placing their trust in me and for giving me the opportunity to lead this special football club.

‘I remain incredibly positive and enthusiastic about the future of Newcastle. The club is in fantastic hands with a great leadership team and I have no doubt together, alongside whoever comes in to replace me, they will continue to deliver success on the pitch.

‘Thank you to Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, Dan Hodges, Andy Howe and Jordan Tribe for their incredible loyalty, support and dedication and to all of the amazing staff behind the scenes whose hard work and loyalty makes this club what it is.

‘A special thank you to all of the players who have represented the club during my time here. Without you, nothing would have been possible and it’s been an honour to have coached you all.

‘Finally, and most importantly, thank you to our incredible supporters. Your passion and loyalty have inspired me every single day. 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.

‘Thank you for everything. I wish the club every success for the future.’

The timing of Howe’s departure has rocked Tyneside, even though it has not come as a surprise on the back of a turbulent 12 months. 

After losing star striker Alexander Isak last September, England winger Anthony Gordon and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali have been sold to Barcelona and Tottenham respectively this summer. 

Arsenal have also today reached an agreement in principle to sign midfield leader Bruno Guimaraes for a fee that is understood to be worth £77million plus add-ons.

As revealed by Daily Mail Sport, Guimaraes dropped a bombshell on the Newcastle hierarchy several weeks ago by informing them of his desire to leave. And he did not fly with the rest of the Toon squad to their pre-season training camp in La Manga on Friday.