What happened to Eddie Howe’s first Newcastle United starting XI three years on

What happened to Eddie Howe’s first Newcastle United starting XI three years on

It has been three years since Eddie Howe’s first game as Newcastle United manager. Following the departure of Steve Bruce, Newcastle United appointed Eddie Howe as their new manager on November 8th 2021.

His first match was on November 20th 2021, with Brentford arriving at St James’ Park. It was a difficult game for a then winless Newcastle United, made all the more challenging when it emerged that Howe would not be in attendance after testing positive for COVID.

Howe watched on from his hotel, as his new team, lining up in a 3-4-3 formation, came from behind twice to draw 3-3. On the three-year anniversary of that game, Geordie Boot Boys looks at what happened to every player in Eddie Howe’s first starting XI as Newcastle United manager.

Newcastle’s defence vs Brentford

Karl Darlow

While Martin Dubravka was available after injury, Eddie Howe stuck with Karl Darlow in between the sticks. It proved to be the wrong decision, as Darlow had a very poor game in the 3-3 draw with Brentford. The 34-year-old left Newcastle permanently in the summer of 2023,

signing a three-year deal with Leeds United. He is understudy to Illan Meslier at Elland Road, while Darlow is also representing Wales at international level after making his debut in September.

Fabian Schar

Having fallen out of favour under Steve Bruce, Howe immediately drafted Fabian Schar into his starting XI. It has proven to be the correct call, as the 32-year-old is still at St James’ Park and continues to play the best football of his career. Schar’s current contract expires in the summer of 2025, although he is set to negotiate an extension with Newcastle United.

Jamaal Lascelles

On November 20th, 2021, Newcastle United’s captain started in the middle of a back three and scored the first goal of the Eddie Howe era, heading home a Matt Ritchie corner. Jamaal Lascelles is still the club captain, but has not played since March due to an ACL injury.

Ciaran Clark

Ciaran Clark was Newcastle’s third centre-back that day, with Howe eager to have a left-footer in his backline. He was poor under Howe and eventually lost his place in the starting XI, but his crowning achievement was a red card against Norwich City, which resulted in the birth of Joelinton as a midfielder.

Newcastle released the 35-year-old in the summer of 2023, and he joined Stoke City in October of the same year. He was released in the summer of 2024 and is now a free agent.

Newcastle’s midfield vs Brentford

Jacob Murphy

In his debut match as Newcastle United manager, Howe played Jacob Murphy as a right wing-back. Murphy has now become a key squad player and has joined the Magpies’ leadership group this season.

Joe Willock

Joe Willock started Howe’s first game as manager, and has gone on to be one of the unsung heroes during his reign at St James’ Park. After a difficult period with injuries, Willock is starting to get back to his best and has re-established himself as a starter on Tyneside.

Jonjo Shelvey

Shortly after arriving, Howe stated how essential Jonjo Shelvey would be to him. However, the partnership lasted only over a year, with the midfielder joining Nottingham Forest in January 2023.

His move to the City Ground did not go as planned, and Shelvey now plays for Eyupspor in Turkey.

Matt Ritchie

Starting at left wing-back, Ritchie got an assist on this day as he linked back up with Howe. While Ritchie did not play too much for Howe over the years, he was an incredibly important player behind the scenes. Newcastle released Ritchie at the end of last season, and he is now playing for Portsmouth in the Championship.

Newcastle’s attack vs Brentford

Joelinton

Even in 2021, Howe felt Joelinton would play a crucial role for him. That has proven to be the case, as Joelinton’s versatility makes him indispensable at St James’ Park. The Brazilian scored on this day, kicking off his Newcastle United comeback.

Callum Wilson

Callum Wilson was another player who Howe was reuniting with. They are still together at Newcastle United, although injuries have ensured that Wilson has not played a single minute so far this season

Allan Saint-Maximin

When Howe arrived at Newcastle, Allan Saint-Maximin was the Magpies’ maverick. And he scored a key goal on this day, netting the equaliser as Howe’s side salvaged a 3-3 draw with Brentford. Newcastle sold Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023, and the French winger is now on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahce.

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