Newcastle United have confirmed that their head coach, Eddie Howe, is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The 47-year-old manager was admitted on Friday evening following several days of feeling unwell, causing him to miss the team’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
In an official statement released on Monday, the club said: “Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.” The statement added that further updates on Howe’s condition would be provided in due course.
Howe, who has been a transformative figure at Newcastle since taking charge in 2021, expressed his gratitude to supporters and the wider football community. “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family,” he said via the club’s website. “I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”
The Magpies’ assistant coaches, Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones, stepped in to lead the team against Manchester United, overseeing a performance that saw goals from Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and a brace from Harvey Barnes. Tindall, who has worked alongside Howe for 17 years, revealed that the manager watched the match from his hospital bed and sent a congratulatory message to the team afterward. “I’ve just seen a message from Eddie congratulating us on the performance and the victory,” Tindall said, adding that the win likely “lifted his spirits.”
Newcastle have confirmed that Tindall and Jones will continue to take charge for the upcoming Premier League fixtures against Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Aston Villa on Saturday, as Howe remains sidelined. The club has not specified a timeline for his return but remains optimistic about his recovery.
Howe’s absence comes at a pivotal moment for Newcastle, who are fourth in the Premier League table with 56 points, firmly in contention for Champions League qualification. His leadership has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence, highlighted by their 2025 Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool—the first domestic trophy for Newcastle in 70 years—and a strong campaign this season.