Alan Shearer admitted he is “very surprised” by Eddie Howe leaving Newcastle.
The Magpies legend was full of praise for the 48-year-old, who leaves St James’ Park just weeks before the start of the new Premier League season.
Howe delivered Newcastle’s first trophy in 56 years and guided the club to European football in the Champions League.
“I’m very, very surprised with the news that Eddie Howe is leaving Newcastle,” Shearer told Betfair.
“I guess it’s strange timing with three weeks to go until the new season kicks off.
“I don’t know what’s gone on, whether it was the end of last season, whether it was the summer, whether he feels they can’t continue to sell his best players.
“I’m led to believe it was Eddie’s decision to leave.”
Shearer described Howe’s tenure in charge as an “incredible ride”, and would tell the English manager “thank you”.
Alan Shearer admitted he was ‘very surprised’ by Eddie Howe’s departure
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The former striker continued: “What I would say is thank you. Thank you to Eddie for what he’s given us. I mean, he gave me my best day as a Newcastle fan with that day at Wembley.
“He’s given us some incredible nights in the Champions League that we’ll never ever forget. He did a wonderful job for Newcastle, so it’s a huge thank you to Eddie.
“It’s been an incredible ride. I think the job that he did was unbelievable from where he took us when he came; there was a real threat of relegation.
“He steadied the ship. He then got us climbing the league. He then brought in some wonderful players.”
Shearer praised Howe for steadying the ship and sending Newcastle up the league
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Shearer continued: “He then took us to a final; we got beaten in that final, but then took us back again and gave us the day that we’ve so craved for.
“I’ve been to Wembley as a player and lost. I’ve been to Wembley as a fan and lost.
“But I’ve also had the pleasure of going to Wembley and winning thanks to Eddie.
“Whatever happens now, the Geordies will always be grateful for what he gave us that day.”
Shearer believes Howe will not be short of job offers
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Shearer believes Howe will not be short of job offers given his achievements at Newcastle and Bournemouth.
He said: “There’s no doubt that he’ll have people knocking on his door from all over the world, I guess. But first, I guess a rest first for him.
“I know he’s probably just had two or three weeks over the summer, which is why it’s sort of strange timing.
“If something was going to happen, you would have thought it would have happened at the end of last season, so it would have given Newcastle time to prepare.
“From Eddie’s point of view, he’ll get offers. He’ll get offers from the Premier League; he’ll get offers from abroad. So we’ll have to wait and see what is next for him.”
