Eddie Howe’s honesty as he reflects on Newcastle United’s new look following Amanda Staveley’s departure

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has highlighted the fact that his “working environment” must be St James’ Park.

Having said a tearful goodbye to two of his greatest allies, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghoudussi, Howe now has to start getting the relationship between himself and sporting director Paul Mitchell going. It was clear there were some understandable teething problems as Howe and his backroom team adjusted to the new dynamic behind the scenes.

Despite all the talk of upheaval, Newcastle boss Howe was asked if he would be on the bench against Southampton for the Premier League season opener and said: “Of course, that’s my expectation because I’m Newcastle manager and I’m very proud. But like I said, it’s all about the environment I’m working in.

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“And as long as that’s something that I feel like I can do my best at, then, for sure, we’ll keep going. So, for sure. And I’m looking forward to next season.”

Staveley’s departure as co-owner has left a big void in the boardroom, with the Ripon financier often the linchpin holding departments together. Howe said there was now a different feeling behind the scenes.

Howe told reporters: “Over the last two years it has been very stable and a very good environment for me and my players. I have to commend everyone for it being very well managed. And it will continue to be well managed.

“There was a bit of a change in the board with Amanda and Mehrdad leaving. With that always comes a slightly different feeling. We brought in a new sporting director and we had PSR, so it was a real summer of work.”