Howe predicts ‘exciting times’ under Saudi Arabian ownership of Newcastle despite LIV withdrawal

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists there are “exciting times ahead” despite the club’s Saudi Arabian owners withdrawing funding from some sporting projects.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), a majority shareholder in Newcastle, this week confirmed it would exit LIV Golf at the end of the season and focus more on ongoing domestic projects.

The PIF team traveled to Northumberland this week for a regular meeting with Newcastle Kings and Howe left his knee on the future of the club.

He said: “It was a chance to see people I haven’t seen for a long time, the owners and PIF representatives are over, constructive meetings, good and they clearly care about the football club and the long term planning that is happening at all levels. Exciting times ahead and the long term vision is there.”

PIF still looking for success in Newcastle – Howe

PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 with the stated aim of making it one of the biggest clubs in the world. At the time it was part of the investment in sports which included golf, boxing, Formula One and tennis.

It has been seen as a way to gain international influence while the country’s critics say it has been used to ‘reform’ its poor human rights record.

Howe insists that PIF’s ambitions have not changed but time is needed to achieve them.

He added: “The desire has not changed, to try to reach the top of the Premier League, to try to win as many trophies as consistently as possible.”

“They are very serious about the football team, there are many things that they have to do to raise the club, it will take time, we are going back to the field, to the training grounds, issues that take a long time, these things do not happen by just snapping the fingers because everything is already connected to the income.

“As everyone wants to speed it up, sometimes these things, to be ready, take a little time.”

He is very happy with the support of PIF

Newcastle are 14th in the Premier League having lost their last four games and Howe has come under increasing pressure due to his big spending on players since arriving on Tyneside.

He says he didn’t want to be confirmed by PIF and he accepts the results will have to improve from now until the end of the season.

“There is no change in support and infrastructure,” he said. “I’m happy with the level of support I’ve been given but I still understand how football works and needs results and that will never change.

“I have not forgotten that I have to get results to keep that feeling, that energy and that trust and that will be regardless of the season. I know very well that there is a responsibility that comes with the job.”

Newcastle’s Gordon may return for the Brighton game

Newcastle host Brighton tomorrow and it remains to be seen if Anthony Gordon will be there.

The Englishman has missed the last two games and is expected to move on in the summer as the club must balance the books.

But he can return to face the Seagulls.

Howe said: “He did part of the session on Wednesday. It’s good to see him back on the pitch, he’s a top player and we’ve missed him. We’ll check today if he’s fit to play tomorrow.”

Lewis Hall was ruled out of last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal but is expected to return tomorrow.