Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Eddie Howe

Discover the career path of Eddie Howe, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Eddie Howe is an English professional football manager, currently managing Newcastle United in the Premier League. He is a former player himself, having previously played as a defender. Howe is highly regarded for his tactical acumen and ability to build strong teams. He gained prominence during his two spells managing Bournemouth, leading them from League Two to the Premier League. After a brief hiatus, he joined Newcastle United in 2021 and has overseen a significant improvement in their performance, solidifying their position in the Premier League and achieving Champions League qualification.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 1995: First-Team Debut

In December 1995, Eddie Howe made his first-team debut for AFC Bournemouth against Hull City.

1998: England Under-21 Selection

In 1998, Eddie Howe was selected for the England Under-21 team to participate in the Toulon Tournament.

March 2002: Signing for Portsmouth

In March 2002, Eddie Howe signed for Portsmouth for £400,000, becoming Harry Redknapp's first signing as manager. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury on his debut against Preston North End, ending his season.

2002: Newcastle's last Champions League Qualification

In May 2023, Howe guided Newcastle to a top-four finish in the Premier League, their first entry into the competition since 2002-03.

2004: Loan Back to Bournemouth

In 2004, Portsmouth loaned Howe back to Bournemouth for the first three months of the 2004-05 season.

2004: Newcastle's last six successive home win

In April 2022, Howe guided Newcastle to a sixth successive home win, the first time the club had achieved such a feat since 2004 under Sir Bobby Robson.

2004: Last English Manager to lift the League Cup

On 16 March 2025, Howe became the first English manager to lift the League Cup since Steve McClaren for Middlesbrough in 2004.

December 2006: Promotion to Player-Coach

In December 2006, at the age of 29, Howe was promoted to the position of player-coach by manager Kevin Bond, and handed the task of coaching Bournemouth's reserve team, though he continued to play in the first team.

2007: Retirement from Professional Football

In 2007, Howe retired from professional football after spending the majority of his playing career with AFC Bournemouth.

2007: Retirement and Move to Coaching

In 2007, after over 270 appearances and being plagued by injuries, Howe retired as a player and transitioned into coaching with the reserve squad.

2007: Retirement From Football

In Summer 2007, Howe retired from football after he was unable to recover from a knee injury.

September 2008: Loss of Job

In September 2008, Howe lost his job when Bond was sacked as manager.

December 2008: Return to Bournemouth as Youth Coach

In December 2008, Eddie Howe returned to Bournemouth as a youth coach under Jimmy Quinn after previously losing his job.

2008: Last English Manager to win a major honor

On 16 March 2025, Howe became the first English manager to win one of the country's major honours since Harry Redknapp won the 2008 FA Cup final for Portsmouth.

January 2009: Appointment as Bournemouth Manager

In January 2009, Eddie Howe became the manager of Bournemouth, taking charge of the team when they faced relegation to the Conference National.

January 2009: Hired as Permanent Manager

In January 2009, despite two away defeats as caretaker manager, Howe was hired as the permanent manager of Bournemouth.

November 2009: Rejection of Peterborough United Managerial Role

In November 2009, Eddie Howe rejected an approach from Championship club Peterborough United to become their manager.

April 2010: Promotion to League One

In April 2010, Bournemouth secured promotion to League One after a 2–0 away win at Burton Albion.

2010: Burnley finished eighth

In 2010-11 season, Burnley finished eighth in the Championship under Howe.

2010: Newcastle's first win at the Emirates since 2010

On 5 February 2025, Howe guided Newcastle to another EFL Cup final following a 4–0 aggregate victory over Arsenal, the first leg of the tie bringing Newcastle their first win at the Emirates since 2010.

January 2011: Staying at Bournemouth Announcement

On January 11, 2011, Eddie Howe announced that he was staying at Bournemouth after being approached by several clubs. However, he later became the new Burnley manager.

January 2011: Appointment as Burnley Manager

On January 14, 2011, Eddie Howe became the new manager of Burnley after signing a three-and-a-half-year contract, following his 100th and final Bournemouth match.

2011: Completed Coaching Badges

In 2011, Eddie Howe completed his coaching badges with the Irish FA, implementing a tactically flexible system with the teams that he manages.

2011: Newcastle's last win over the Black Cats

On 6 January 2024, Howe led Newcastle to victory over Sunderland, a 3–0 win at the Stadium of Light. This marked Newcastle's first win over the Black Cats since 2011.

October 2012: Departure from Burnley

In October 2012, Eddie Howe left Burnley citing "personal reasons" for his departure.

October 2012: Return to Bournemouth as Manager

In October 2012, Eddie Howe re-joined his former club Bournemouth as manager.

April 2013: Promotion to the Championship

On April 20, 2013, Eddie Howe secured promotion to the Championship with Bournemouth, finishing runners-up.

April 2015: Securing Promotion to the Premier League

On April 27, 2015, Eddie Howe secured Bournemouth's promotion to the Premier League after a 3–0 win against Bolton Wanderers.

May 2015: Confirmed Champions

On May 2, 2015, Bournemouth confirmed their promotion to the Premier League, winning 3-0 at Charlton Athletic and becoming league champions.

2016: Premier League Survival

In the 2015-2016 season, Howe guided Bournemouth to Premier League survival, finishing 16th, which was five points clear of the relegation zone.

2018: 14th Place Finish

In the 2018–19 Premier League, Howe's side finished in 14th place.

2019: 14th Place Finish

In the 2018–19 Premier League, Howe's side finished in 14th place.

August 2020: Departure from Bournemouth

On August 1, 2020, Bournemouth announced that Eddie Howe had left the club by mutual consent after eight years in charge.

2020: First Premier League manager to take a pay cut

During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Eddie Howe became the first Premier League manager to take a pay cut.

2020: Bournemouth Relegation and Resignation

In 2020, Bournemouth were relegated to the Championship, leading to Eddie Howe's resignation as manager.

May 2021: Rejection of Celtic Managerial Offer

In May 2021, Eddie Howe rejected an offer to become the manager of Celtic.

November 2021: Appointed Newcastle United Manager

On November 8, 2021, Eddie Howe was appointed as the manager of Premier League club Newcastle United, signing a contract until the summer of 2024.

2021: Appointment as Newcastle United Head Coach

In 2021, Eddie Howe was appointed as head coach of Newcastle United following the club's takeover.

April 2022: Sixth Successive Home Win

On April 20, 2022, following a 1–0 victory against Crystal Palace, Eddie Howe guided Newcastle to a sixth successive home win.

August 2022: Rewarded with Long-Term Contract

On August 5, 2022, Eddie Howe was rewarded with a long-term contract at Newcastle United.

January 2023: EFL Cup Final Qualification

On January 31, 2023, Eddie Howe guided Newcastle to the EFL Cup final.

May 2023: Champions League Qualification

On May 22, 2023, Eddie Howe guided Newcastle to a top-four finish in the Premier League and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

2023: Newcastle United's tactical adaptability and high scoring season

In 2023, due to defensive injuries, Newcastle United under Eddie Howe adapted their tactics to 3–4–2–1 and 4–4–2 formations, which led to their highest-ever goal-scoring campaign, netting 85 goals in 38 games.