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Newcastle’s start under Eddie Howe is the worst by a Magpies boss this century

Eddie Howe Newcastle boss pointing Jan22

The Magpies have won just once since Howe was appointed in November - we compare his start to the 12 other bosses who have managed the Magpies in the 21st century.

Newcastle have played ten games since Eddie Howe's appointment and first impressions are not good.
Howe was appointed in November after a long, drawn out search to replace Steve Bruce with one aim - to keep Newcastle up.

However, the Magpies have won just one of his first ten games - a 1-0 triumph over relegation rivals Burnley. Their general play remains disappointing and among the defeats was a shock FA Cup loss at home to League One side Cambridge United.

They remain in the bottom three following Saturday's draw with Watford and it's hard to imagine how their start under Howe could have been any worse.

In fact, if we look back over the first ten games of bosses who have managed the Magpies this century it hasn't been any worse - not even under Joe Kinnear.

Sir Bobby Robson - September 1999 to August 2004

The former England manager settled in relatively quickly to the St James' Park hotseat, claiming two UEFA Cup wins, a triumph over local rivals Middlesbrough and 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday inside his first ten games.

Win ratio: 40%

Graeme Souness - September 2004 to February 2006

Very few people look back on the Souness era as a success. However, he started in brilliant fashion, winning his first four games in charge. In total, he claimed an impressive seven wins to open his Newcastle account.

Win ratio: 70%

Glenn Roeder - February 2006 to May 2007

The one-time Newcastle midfielder was a popular figure and he started well, winning his first three games and going on to claim five victories from his first ten games.

Win ratio: 50%

Sam Allardyce - May 2007 to January 2008

In stark contrast to Roeder, Big Sam was never too popular on Tyneside. However, the beginning of his tenure was not too bad, with four wins.

Win ratio: 40%

Kevin Keegan - January 2008 to September 2008

They say never go back and that was proved true of Keegan as it never really worked out for the Toon legend in his second spell. Indeed, this start mirrors that of Howe, with just one win from his opening ten fixtures.

Win ratio: 10%

Joe Kinnear - September 2008 to April 2009

Yet another unpopular appointment by Mike Ashley and things did not start too well, with just two wins from his first ten.

Win ratio: 20%

Chris Hughton - June 2009 to December 2010

Hughton did well for Newcastle during their Championship spell and a five-game winning streak helped him to one of the best opening spells of any new Toon boss.

Win ratio: 70%

Alan Pardew - December 2010 December 2014

Another unpopular appointment by Ashley but things did improve after a relatively poor start from Pardew who registered just three wins. Those did include impressive victories over Liverpool and West Ham, though.

Win ratio: 30%

John Carver - December 2014 to June 2015

Carver was handed a tough task when he took charge but he did manage two wins to ensure he does not have the dubious honour of the worst start this century.

Win ratio: 20%

Steve McClaren - June 2015 to March 2016

Howe and Keegan are not alone in having a 10% win rate. A win over Northampton was all the former England and Middlesbrough boss had to show for his first ten games at the helm. And we all know how it ended.

Win ratio: 10%

Rafa Benitez - March 2016 to July 2019

The Spaniard is considered the all conquering hero by many Newcastle fans, but his start was rather unspectacular with just three wins. However, it did include a 5-1 spanking of Tottenham.

Win ratio: 30%

Steve Bruce - July 2019 to October 2021

A returning Geordie, but sadly not a hero to the home fans. Bruce was seen as one of Mike Ashley's men and his start was not great with just two wins from his first ten games.

Win ratio: 20%

Eddie Howe - November 21 to present

So, no new manager bounce for Howe. A solitary win over rock-bottom Burnley means he has made the joint-worse start to life as a Newcastle boss this century.

Win ratio: 10%

READ MORE: Six Everton managers who were worse than Rafael Benitez

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