Writing on the wall? The inside story of Howe's Newcastle exit

Eddie Howe questioned whether it was time for a change and suggested that perhaps the Newcastle team needed new energy following the defeat to Fulham on the final day of last season.

Talks took place two days later and everyone at the club left feeling aligned that he would continue. He told the club and reporters that he was all in.

Howe then enjoyed a family holiday and returned for pre-season to bring up the same point. He had had time to think and realised he had taken the club as far as he could.

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During that time Newcastle had sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for a combined £170m, and Bruno Guimarães told the club he wanted to move to Arsenal.

Newcastle had been busy delving into the transfer market themselves to sign younger, less experienced players. Howe said publicly that he backed the signings and everyone at the club was aligned, but privately he was aware the season ahead was going to be a big challenge.

The transfer moves weren't the reasons for his decision, however. He was exhausted after nearly five years at the helm, but the loss of Gordon, Tonali and a conversation with his captain Guimarães didn't help.

He couldn't shake that gut feeling after returning from his holiday. Multiple senior figures asked him to think about it but he was upfront and honest and said he had made his decision.

He was looking weary too, and it was picked up by reporters at their pre-season friendly against Gateshead last week.

It's worth remembering the former Bournemouth manager was hospitalised with pneumonia last April, and has not had a proper break to recover properly.

Newcastle accepted it was time for a change and asked him to stay on until they had a replacement in situ.

So for over two weeks they have continued as if everything was okay, while Newcastle have worked diligently in the background to replace the 48-year-old. So today has not come as a shock to club hierarchy.

This was a decision made by Howe himself, and not the club. He knew his time had come.

The message was relayed to his backroom staff last night as they landed back in Newcastle from pre-season defeat at Bristol City.

Newcastle have pinpointed German manager Matthias Jaissle, and he is on the verge of being appointed as Howe's successor - hence the timing of the Howe departure news this morning.

Al Ahli's Jaissle will link up with the squad in La Manga - they fly out tomorrow - once his appointment is announced.

Interestingly Newcastle's sporting director Ross Wilson appointed Ralf Hassenhuttl from the Red Bull Group when he was in charge of Southampton. Now he has suggested Jaissle to PIF. The German previously had two years in charge of RB Salzburg.

Questions have been asked as to whether the PIF link is the reason Newcastle have opted for Jaissle. But I understand it has nothing to do with the Saudi links, as Jaissle's exit actually weakens one of their clubs.

The 38-year-old is seen as an energetic, front-foot manager who plays a similar style to Eddie Howe and therefore will suit the existing players.

He's going to have to be energetic - Newcastle's Premier League curtain-raiser is at home to Liverpool in 24 days.

But how will Howe be remembered? For bringing the first silverware for 70 years to St James' Park. Touring the city in an open-top bus in front of 300,000 happy Geordies. Two Champions League campaigns, including that 4-1 win over PSG. Signing Alexander Isak and selling him for a Premier League record. Signing Sandro Tonali and selling for £100m, and Anthony Gordon for £70m. Reuniting a fanbase, a football club and a city.

And so much more.

In the wake of the sad death of Kevin Keegan, Howe is right up there alongside The King. Keegan told him when he took the chance, he was taking on the best job in the world.

Even last night Howe said: "every day I'm in charge of Newcastle is a great day." It was to be his last.