Chelsea’s search for a new manager is expected to be a long-winded process, but if Jamie Redknapp’s comments turn out to be a reality, the Blues have got to prioritise Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
For now, Chelsea are focusing on the run-in as Calum McFarlane looks to save face and end a disastrous season in a positive manner. That starts on Sunday, with Chelsea’s clash against Leeds in the FA Cup.
But in the long run, Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and Clearlake need to appoint another manager. The revolving door has not stopped turning at Cobham and a new gaffer will enter come the summer.
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Plenty have been linked, with Chelsea looking to appoint a manager with Premier League experience – given that their last two had not managed in the Premier League before becoming Chelsea manager.
Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are both set to leave their clubs as things stand and are supposedly on Chelsea’s radar. But another with an uncertain future is Eddie Howe, and Jamie Redknapp has had his say.
Jamie Redknapp’s Eddie Howe verdict should tempt Chelsea
Long-linked with the England job, Howe’s future at Newcastle is uncertain. There is a feeling that after a disappointing season in which Newcastle sit in 14th position in the Premier League, a change is needed.
Howe, however, has thrived during his time in the north east. He has re-established himself as arguably, England’s best English manager. Following Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, Redknapp discussed Howe.
The former England midfielder said that Howe has earnt the autonomy to pick his next club, given the body of work he has produced alongside Jason Tindall at Newcastle. Chelsea are considering Howe.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: “Eddie has done enough to decide whatever he wants at the club. There’s a genuine love for him up there. He deserves the opportunity and the luxury of deciding what happens.
“There might come to a point at the end of the season Eddie thinks, ‘I’ve maybe taken this group as far as I can.’ The performances haven’t been acceptable,” Redknapp continued, discussing Howe’s future.
If Chelsea have any sense about them, Redknapp’s verdict should have the hierarchy on red alert. Howe would be a stunning appointment, for the short-term and the long-term. If available, they have to pursue.
What has Eddie Howe said about his future at Newcastle?
If Chelsea want stability, if Chelsea want a name the fans can get behind, if the owners want to raise the standards within the squad – something that is lacking in more ways than one – then Howe is the man.
It is impossible to imagine a Chelsea player flirting so obviously with Madrid in the way Enzo Fernandez did, with Howe as boss. Chelsea would certainly not have been outrun in all 34 league games this term.
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Would Howe want to join Chelsea when things are being run in this way? Probably not, but that has got to change if Chelsea have any chance of hiring a manager that can finally restore pride among the fans.
Howe hinted it might be his last season on Tyneside: “Obviously this one [end-of-season meeting] will be slightly harder for me I’m sure, but it will be good to meet with the owners and discuss the future.”
While he might not be as glamorous as a Terzic, an Iraola or a Conte, Howe would immediately remove any ego in this Chelsea squad and reinstall standards lost under the likes of Enzo Maresca and Rosenior.
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