There is no timeframe for the Newcastle manager’s return to the team as he continues to recover from illness.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe may need to spend weeks away from football as he recovers from pneumonia. The 47-year-old was not at St James’s Park for his side’s 4-1 win over Manchester United. His assistant Jason Tindall led the team while Eddie watched from hospital.
Tindall is certain to be in charge of the team for their two upcoming games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, according to a club statement. However, given the time it may take to recover from pneumonia, it is possible for Howe to spend a much longer period away from football.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the club’s Wednesday fixture against Crystal Palace, Tindall confirmed that Howe would not be rushed back and that he was ready to continue leading the team in the head coach’s absence.
“Obviously it’s part of my job,” said Tindall. “I will do the best I possibly can in his absence. We’ve worked together for 17 years now, so we know what is expected of each other.
“Hopefully I can deliver the same messages as what he would want, and hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Asked how his senior colleague was doing, Tindall said that they had had “minimal dialogue together”, but that the head coach would “be back as soon as he’s ready to lead the team”.
“There is no exact timeframe,” said Tindall. “As and when called upon I am here to step into his shoes, supported by the excellent staff at the club. Eddie’s in the best possible hands and everything will be guided by [doctors] on a day‑to‑day basis. He will only come back when he is ready and it will be on the guidance of the people taking care of him.”
Asked how he felt about not having Howe around, Tindall said: “It’s really difficult. Especially someone that you’ve worked closely with for such a long time. Eddie’s never missed more than a day or two in the whole time we’ve been working together.
“It’s a new situation for me. It’s a new situation for the players and the staff. But your health is the most important thing. The one thing that gives you some comfort is that he’s in the best hands possible.
“He’s not a silly guy. Eddie will take notice of what’s said to him and he’ll make sure he’s fully recovered when he comes back. The sooner he’s back, the best for everybody. But only at a time when he feels he’s ready to return and he’s 100 per cent ready to lead the team.”
