Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe will be absent when his new team take on EPL newcomer, Brentford, at St James’ Park today
By Kehinde Okeowo
Eddie Howe tested positive for Covid-19 during a routine test on Friday, and will not be on the bench as Newcastle United head coach, when they play Brentford today at St James’ Park.
He is expected to self-isolate in line with government guidance, meaning he misses the first English Premier League (EPL) fixture as the manager of the club.
While isolating, assistant head coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones are expected to take charge of the team.
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Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, while responding to the news of his testing positive for Covid-19, expressed his disappointment that he could not be on the bench for the game.
He also said he is going fine and reassured Newcastle fans that his absence will not affect the team adversely.
He added that he will be in touch with his assistants while the game is being played and during the week’s preparation for the next game.
“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be there with you all at St. James’ Park tomorrow, but it is incredibly important that I follow the guidelines and self-isolate.
“I’d like to reassure everyone that I feel fine, and while this is unwelcome news for me, I know it hasn’t derailed our preparations for what is an important game.
“I have been, and will be, in constant communication with my coaching team and the players, both tomorrow and during the week, and I know they will be giving everything on and off the pitch,” he said
The new Newcastle manager took over the team after a poor run of results, which left them languishing at the bottom of the EPL log table.