Eddie Howe dismisses talk of ‘civil war’ with Paul Mitchell, defends Newcastle transfer record

Eddie Howe has publicly defended his transfer record at Newcastle United in response to recent critiques from sporting director Paul Mitchell. Mitchell questioned the effectiveness of the club's recruitment processes since the takeover, suggesting they may not be suitable for modern football. In light of this, Howe expressed pride in the players acquired during a challenging period when the club was fighting relegation, emphasizing that evaluations of transfers should consider the context in which decisions were made. Howe noted that the club's primary objective during those times was to remain in the Premier League, and he believes the signings have positively contributed to the team's long-term future. He refrained from directly addressing Mitchell's comments about the scouting structure, stating that it is up to Mitchell to clarify his position. Despite the apparent tensions between the two, Howe insisted that there is no 'civil war' at St James' Park. He acknowledged the importance of communication within the club and recognized Mitchell's role in fostering transparency regarding the club's financial situation. Howe's focus remains on the team's performance and training, as he aims to maintain a positive environment for the players. The lack of communication between Howe and Mitchell during the international break has raised eyebrows, but Howe remains committed to his responsibilities as head coach. He aims to keep the focus on football while navigating the complexities of club dynamics and recruitment strategies.