By Gabriel Agbonlahor

6th Sep, 2023 | 2:30pm

Agbonlahor issues Howe sack verdict after Newcastle United latest - 'nothing can stop the owners'

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Eddie Howe to turn things around at Newcastle – but admitted “nothing can stop” the club’s owners from looking to make a change.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the ambitious Saudi-backed ownership won’t want to wait “seven or eight years” to fight for the top honours.

Newcastle have picked up just three points from their first four games and are already seven points adrift of the top four.

The Magpies appointed Howe in November 2021 and he has won 39 of his 78 games in charge of the famous Tyneside club.

He led them to Champions League qualification in the 2022-23 campaign, finishing four points ahead of fifth-place Liverpool.

But losses this season against Brighton, Liverpool and Man City already leave them adrift of the top four.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Howe has got what it takes to keep them in the top four and win titles.

“But these owners at Newcastle won’t hang around if it doesn’t look like he’s doing it.

“If Newcastle can’t get out of this slump, win soon and also have a good start to the Champions League – nothing can stop them looking at making a change.

“He’ll get them to wake up, I’m sure. They want to be the next Man City, winning leagues and Champions Leagues.

“They aren’t here to be patient and wait seven or eight years to fight for that.

“He will know that he isn’t comfortable in the job. We’ve seen managers sacked the season after having great success.

“I’m sure he will be confident he can stay in the job and I personally think he’ll be fine.”

In other news, Newcastle United set to land game-changing jackpot after £13m reveal.