Confirmed! Newcastle loses coach just before season start

Newcastle finds itself without a head coach just before the start of the season.

There were already rumors that Eddie Howe would resign, now it's confirmed. As the club announced on Friday, the 48-year-old is leaving the club after five years.

"After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time to step down from my role as head coach of Newcastle United," Howe is quoted as saying.

Coaches Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, and Simon Weatherstone are also leaving Newcastle, as is Dan Hodges (Head of Performance).

Is Jaissle to succeed Howe?

Former Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle is said to be the top candidate for the succession (more on this >>>). This has not yet been confirmed. The club writes: "The process to appoint a new head coach is at an advanced stage, and updates will be announced shortly."

Currently, the German is still under contract with Al-Ahli. Tyrolean Alexander Hauser could serve as assistant coach.