Howe left Newcastle in a very honourable way
· Yahoo Sports
The new season is almost upon us and yet another top manager has decided to take some time off.
Eddie Howe left Newcastle in a very honourable way as far as I can see. As the years have gone by the job description didn't exactly live up to what was said on the tin.
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I am sure the owners would love to have given him more money, and initially thought they could but the Saudi Public Investment Fund is hamstrung within the guidelines – and the latest rule changes seem to make it even more onerous for them.
Eddie could have stayed but even though he lost around £400m worth of top players in a short period of time, he would have still got saddled with the blame for failure in the end, even though he has lifted the club a huge distance since he came in.
For some the stress just isn't worth it in the modern English Premier League. Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp felt the same way even if their departures were different reasons.
In times gone past, this willingness to walk away to protect their mental well-being would have been seen as a weakness. Happily, because of the strength of these guys, it isn't the case anymore and I applaud them for changing those unhealthy attitudes in the game.
When you know you need a break after such a long intense slog, you should be allowed to take it without any stigma attached.
Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.