Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has thanked fans and said he is “immensely grateful” to hospital staff after the club announced the 47-year-old has been diagnosed with pneumonia.
Howe, who led Newcastle to their first major trophy since 1955 by winning the EFL Cup last month, missed the Magpies’ 4-1 Premier League home win over Manchester United on Sunday and will be absent for their games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa this week.
“A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider community for your messages and warm wishes,” Howe said in his first message since being taken ill.
“They have meant a lot to me and my family. I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me.”
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Eddie Howe illness: ‘Hugely missed’
Assistant managers Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones guided Newcastle to a first league double over the Red Devils since the 1930/31 season at St James’ Park.
Howe had missed three days’ training and his pre-match press conference, when Tindall said the former Bournemouth manager had been “really poorly”, before going to hospital for tests on Friday.
“I’ve just seen a message from Eddie congratulating us on the performance and the victory,” Tindall said after Newcastle went fourth in the table. “He was able to watch the game and I’m sure it has lifted his spirits.
“Eddie and I have been working together for 17 years and I don’t think he’s ever missed more than a day or two in that time.
“I had a text message from Eddie before the game that he put his trust in myself to do what I thought was right. I sent him a couple of messages today to say that he was hugely missed. He’s one of the best managers there is.”
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is the name given to the inflammation of the lungs and is usually caused by infections such as flu, a cold or other viruses.
Most sufferers are treated with antibiotics and take two to four weeks to get better, with rest and plenty of fluids among the guidance advised for recovering.
“I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible,” added Howe.
Eddie Howe in hospital: Newcastle support
Newcastle said they would have “further updates to be communicated in due course”, adding: “The club continues to extend its best wishes to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery,” they said.
When he returns, Howe is likely to find his team in a strong position to earn Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons.
“He’s so influential throughout the week and on a matchday,” winger Harvey Barnes said after scoring two of their goals against United.
“We knew we had a job to do without him and we did that today. We said before the game that it was one of them where we want to put a smile on his face.”
“We hope he gets well soon and comes back”
Joelinton is hoping Newcastle can get the three points today for Eddie Howe 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/xkdoIyQ9ro
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2025
Eddie Howe update: ‘Tough week’
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who struck Newcastle’s fourth of the game, also paid tribute to Howe. “When we went onto the pitch, we said we’d play for him,” the Brazil international reflected.
“He’s been part of our success – he has been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground and hopefully this win is going to give him a bit of happiness in this tough week for him.”
Defender Dan Burn said working without Howe had been “very strange”. “For the gaffer not to be at training, we knew something must have been up,” added the England newcomer.
“We send our best wishes to him and I think it just shows the group that we’ve got [that] everyone stuck to the standards he drives every day. We pushed each other and got through that game.”
Newcastle will move two points above third-placed Nottingham Forest if they win at home to Palace on Wednesday (19:30 BST). They then begin their final six games of the season by visiting Villa on Saturday (17:30)
