Eddie Howe admits being second choice after Unai Emery for Newcastle job does not bother him
Premier League Museum Admin 
Eddie Howe Bournemouth
Eddie Howe spoke about his selection for the Newcastle United managerial role and the events leading up to his appointment, explaining that he had been a contender alongside Unai Emery. Despite knowing that Amanda Staveley’s offer for the manager position was initially made to Emery, Howe expressed that it did not deter him in any way.
Eddie Howe said “It doesn’t bother me that Unai Emery turned the Newcastle job down, not in the slightest. I was given a phone call that highlighted it was a two-horse race for the job between Unai and myself. Unai’s CV is unbelievable, at that point I knew I’d lost! He’s a top-quality manager. There was no ill feeling from my end towards Unai or Newcastle. When I got the call the next day and they offered me the job after Unai turned it down, I was absolutely delighted. I realised what a big opportunity this was for me. I had no reservations towards the club about them leaning towards Unai initially, that’s football.”
Eddie Howe discussed his feelings about becoming the manager of Newcastle United, highlighting the unique experience and challenges associated with the role and his plans for improving the team from the bottom of the table.
Eddie Howe said “Of course, as a human being you have those anxieties and fears stepping into a new role. You have to prove yourself all over again, you need to set your intentions early and try to inspire a new group of people to bring the club together. It was a case of looking at the current squad, assessing areas that needed improving and who can improve those areas, to get out of the bottom three. That was it. Of course, we knew if we could execute that plan correctly then we could look towards the future more, but the short-term plan was of paramount importance at the time.”
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