A reunion with his family is helping Eddie Howe see the grassroots passion for Newcastle, as the Magpies boss admits local youth football has shown him “how passionate all the kids are” for the Tyneside club.
Howe says he spends his afternoons watching his two sons play for local teams.
He spent his first few months as Newcastle manager living in a hotel away from his family.
He says that local youth football has shown him the passion that the fans have for the club
Howe has guided Newcastle to sixth place in the Premier League table currently
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is watching even more football this season than last time after moving his family to Tyneside, and it has helped him witness just how much passion there is for the high-flying Magpies.
The 44-year-old, who will play for Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, spent his first months as Newcastle head coach living in a hotel while his wife Vicki and their three young children stayed on the south coast, where the family had lived during his time in charge in Bournemouth.
However, they have now been reunited in the northeast and that has brought new responsibilities.
Eddie Howe says he spends his afternoons watching his two sons play local youth soccer
When asked what impact the move had on his life, Howe said: ‘It changed my nights, for sure, where I’d be watching another game otherwise!
‘I have traveled a lot to different football stadiums with my two children. Both of my older children are on teams and it has been great touring the local area to meet different people and better understand youth soccer here.
“It just amazes me how passionate all the kids, boys and girls, are for Newcastle.
‘Before my son played last night, there’s a girls’ team, I’m not exactly sure how old they are, and they all have Newcastle kits. The passion hits you right away, so it’s been great to watch. That’s what I’ve been doing most of my afternoons.’
How do you say “passion hits you right away” when you attend your local youth games?
Howe’s presence on the sideline in base games can cause some stir, but he has enjoyed meeting other parents and hearing their perspectives on the job he and his players are doing after an encouraging start to the season. .
He said: ‘They’ve been pretty good, actually. Everyone has been very friendly, very welcoming. They respect that I am there to support my children, but they still want to talk about Newcastle and I fully respect and understand that.
“It’s been healthy for me to go out there and share those stories from Newcastle of how proud everyone is of the team at the moment.”
The man tasked with training Howe’s sons could be forgiven for being intimidated by their scrutiny.
Howe has managed to lead Newcastle to sixth in the league as they chase a European place
However, as a member of Manchester United’s famous Class of ’92 alongside Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Paul Scholes, Paul Gough has taken it all in his stride.
Howe said, ‘You know what? I have been so impressed with it. I want to give a special mention to Paul Gough, brilliant coach.
“He was part of the Class of ’92, actually, at Manchester United, so he has a background in football and I really enjoyed watching him train my kids. He is first class.