The Magpies won't let Howe fly away - the boss signs a new "long-term" contract

Eddie Howe has signed a new "long-term" contract to extend his stay in the Magpies' dugout. It's a sign of gratitude and confidence in the man who inherited a relegation-threatened team in November 2021 and turned their season around, leading them to a highly-respectable 11th place in the Premier League.

Taking over from Steve Bruce, Howe initially signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Newcastle that would have kept him at the club until the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The new deal would see the former Bournemouth player and manager remain a lot longer at St. James' Park - if he continues to perform well, of course.

"It's a great feeling to commit my future to this incredible club. I'm extremely proud to be the head coach of Newcastle United and have enjoyed every moment here. I'd like to take the opportunity to acknowledge my coaching team, the players, staff and supporters. They make it a very special place to be every day."

Howe's innovative approach, the ability to unite and motivate players, combined with his almost fanatical attention to detail, has drawn praise for the club owners, players, fans and pundits alike. The recently-appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth will be Howe's key associate as they try to use Saudi millions to transform an average team into one that could compete with the best teams in England. Tying Howe to a long contract is the first piece of Ashworth's black and white puzzle.

"Eddie is an incredibly talented leader and has had a huge impact since being appointed in November. In the short period of time I have worked with him, I have seen how much of a diligent, detailed, hard-working coach and leader he is. This is great news for the club, and I am looking forward to working with Eddie and our colleagues on our exciting journey ahead."

Howe's Newcastle will face the newly-promoted Nottingham Forest in the new season's curtain-raiser at St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon. Forest's manager Steve Cooper has brought in some eye-catching recruits since their promotion was confirmed, making the Midlands' club an intriguing one to keep an eye on.

"I think Cooper deserves a huge amount of credit for his job at Nottingham. He's got them promoted while emploring a very attractive style of play. They'll be difficult opponents for us and we don't underestimate them at all."

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

22.00: (4.60) Crystal Palace (3.70) Arsenal (1.85)

Saturday

14.30: (11.0) Fulham (6.00) Liverpool (1.30)

17.00: (1.40) Tottenham (4.90) Southampton (9.00)

17.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.80) Nott.Forest (5.70)

17.00: (2.35) Leeds (3.25) Wolverhampton (3.40)

17.00: (3.90) Bournemouth (3.40) Aston Villa (2.10)

19.30: (5.70) Everton (3.80) Chelsea (1.70)

Sunday

16.00: (2.05) Leicester (3.60) Brentford (3.80)

16.00: (1.57) Man.Utd. (4.00) Brighton (7.00)

18.30: (9.50) West Ham (5.50) Man.City (1.35)

***odds are subject to change