LONDON: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will go into Saturday’s FA Cup clash with local rival Sunderland adamant he does not need daily assurances from the club’s big-spending owners after a terrible run of results.
The Magpies will run out for the third-round tie at the Stadium of Light, losing seven of their past eight games and their most recent four in all competitions.
The dire run has led to speculation that Howe’s future as head coach at the Saudi-backed club could be uncertain after two years in the post.
Newcastle are already out of the Champions League and the League Cup, but Howe said he still had backing from the club.
“I certainly don’t need daily reassurances,” he said on Friday. “I feel comfortable that we are working as hard as we can to improve performances and results.
“I know it’s a results-based business — all the usual things you’d expect me to say — but I do feel the support from the club.”
Saturday’s fixture will be the first match between Newcastle and Championship side Sunderland since a 1-1 draw in the Premier League at St James’ Park in 2016.
