Newcastle United faithful rally behind Eddie Howe - 'doom and gloom is ridiculous'

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has questioned the "inconsistent" performances that have led to the team spending the March international break in 10th place in the Premier League - and ChronicleLive's Magpies fans have been rallying to his defence in our comments section. The team came away from Chelsea with nothing on Monday, and the Blues could pull ahead if they win their game in hand.

When asked by the Chronicle on Monday about the defeat, Howe said: "I don't think my message necessarily has to change. Because that would be a change in principles or method of work and I don't think there was anything wrong with our method of work today. So confusing really that we were inconsistent within the game. We have been inconsistent throughout this run of games lately but this was an inconsistent performance."

The club are showing signs of decline during Howe's third season, but commenters like Yossi1 wouldn't trade that time away easily: “All the doom and gloom from some fans is quite ridiculous to me. This club is on the up. It may take a while, possibly 5 years or more, but on the whole, we are improving all the time. This takes into account temporary declines and inconsistencies, as is happening this season."

"To suggest that Howe's job is in jeopardy is absolute nonsense. How short is people's memory? Are we in relegation trouble or do we still have a chance of European qualification? Have we, again been knocked out in round 2 of league cup and round 3 or 4 of FA Cup? If I remember correctly we are in the quarter-finals of both. Enough with the negative vibes. These things take time and Eddie is a great coach and manager and should be left alone.”

User Hotmog69 replied that there's time to recover - but not an infinite amount of it: “I love what Howe has done for this club and he at least deserves the chance to turn things around... but I can't help feeling that he may well get the chop if he doesn't do well in the first 8 games of the new season.”

Motivation says people shouldn't forget the near past: “People should lay off Eddie, he is a great manager. Only enemies of NUFC would want to see him go. It is ridiculous to even think it when you see the job he has done. From near relegation to the Champions League, in a short space of time. Newcastle have had incredibly bad luck this season. Long term injuries to most of their key players, forcing them to play either kids or players who are just below the standard needed."

"In cups they have nothing but away draws, along with going out of the Champions League through a lousy referee decision (to which he admitted). Ask any rival of Newcastle (especially those just down the road) they would all tell you that yes Eddie should go. That should tell you, that he is a great manager, and that Newcastle MUST keep him.”

Commenter Monkslovechips says: “Pound to a penny that all the Howe snipers were hailing him the best manager bar none last season and also this after the Toon whacked Chelsea and PSG 4-1, won 3-0 at Man U, beat Man C and Arsenal and hit eight at Sheffield... Goldfish memories.”

There are those who can see the end of an era coming, however, like Toonacle: “Howe has to go, if not shortly definitely at the end of the season. Everything has gone stale and the passion and belief have gone from the players. Howe has no tactics, won't change the system, and obviously has his own favourite players which is costing us games.”

Results trump everything for Toonfromafar: “I like Howe, but I just hope he can get the results needed to get us into the top 6 or I think his time may be coming to an end. HWTL.”

And Cantbelievewhat thinks it will be all uphill from here for the manager: “Howe needs more time, just like what happened with Fergie, but the real issue will be how much we can spend in the summer but it won’t be nearly enough.”

What would be your "breaking point" on Eddie Howe as manager? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.