Players have thrown Howe under the bus - he'll leave, says Shearer

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has made explosive claims about manager Eddie Howe's future at the club, suggesting the squad have 'thrown the manager under the bus' and that Howe will leave the club. The former England striker's comments come amid a turbulent period for the Magpies, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.

Shearer, Newcastle's all-time leading scorer, said he has heard 'rumblings' from within the dressing room that have left him concerned about Howe's position. 'I've heard things, rumblings from inside that club, and it's not looking good for Eddie Howe,' Shearer told reporters. 'It feels like the players have thrown him under the bus at times. The performances haven't been good enough, and there's clearly something going on behind the scenes.'

Howe guided Newcastle to Champions League qualification two seasons ago but has faced increasing pressure this campaign as results have faltered. The 47-year-old has been forced to deal with injuries to key players and speculation about the club's ownership structure, with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia maintaining their stake.

Newcastle's recent form has seen them slip towards the lower end of the Premier League table, raising fears of a relegation battle. The club has won just two of their last eight league matches, and there have been reports of tension between coaching staff and senior players regarding tactical approaches.

When asked directly if Howe would remain as manager, Shearer was blunt: 'I think he'll leave. I think this season is probably the end of the road for him at Newcastle. It's a sad situation because he did great things there, but something has broken down.' Newcastle's hierarchy has not publicly confirmed their backing for Howe, though sources close to the club suggest no immediate change is planned.