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Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United manager after nearly five years in charge, saying he needs to “take a break and recharge”.
The 48-year-old Englishman led Newcastle to their first major trophy in decades when they won the League Cup in March 2025.
He also guided the club to Champions League qualification in 2023 and again in 2025.
However, Newcastle struggled last season, finishing 12th in the Premier League, and has endured a difficult summer transfer window.
Howe’s departure came two days after Newcastle suffered a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in a pre-season friendly.
The club confirmed his exit on Friday, saying it had accepted his decision to leave and thanking him for his “extraordinary contribution”.
Howe said he decided to step down after a period of personal reflection, adding that nearly five years of intense commitment to the club had left him in need of a break.
He said leaving was in the best interests of both himself and Newcastle, as he looked to “recharge and take a break.”
“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,” Howe said in a club statement.
“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.”
