Eddie Howe: Newcastle Boss Returns to Work After Pneumonia Scare

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe returns to work after a serious bout of pneumonia, crediting quick medical action for preventing a worse outcome.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has returned to work after a serious bout of pneumonia, but admitted he's not yet “100 percent.” Howe was hospitalized on April 11th and missed three Premier League fixtures against Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa. Despite not being fully recovered, the 47-year-old was eager to get back to work with the team.

”I'm OK. I'm not 100 percent in my body, but I'd like to think I'm very close to 100 percent in my mind, which is the most important thing,” Howe told reporters on Friday. His determination to lead the League Cup winners is evident, and he's focused on getting back to full strength.

“I tried to take a positive from every experience, I think that's really important to try and do that, but this has been a real challenge because your health, you take for granted.

“I certainly have and when you don't have the luxury of feeling normal, it can be very difficult.

“I certainly have been through a range of emotions, but thankfully I feel like I'm on the road to recovery, which is the most important thing and I'm delighted to be here.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is set to return to St James' Park for Saturday's match against Ipswich, following a brief absence due to pneumonia. Assistant coach Jason Tindall stepped in during Howe's absence, leading the team to significant wins over Manchester United and Crystal Palace, before a 4-1 loss to Aston Villa.

Eddie Howe on the run-in:

"I see it being very tight and possibly going to the end of the season for the top five places. I think we have put ourselves in a very strong position. We go into a five-game league now where we have some tough games, but we’ll have to be at our best,… pic.twitter.com/xEkwPi9Toq

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 25, 2025

“For those first two games, I was watching and involved. I wasn't feeling well enough to probably enjoy the performances, but a big thank you to the players because they gave everything in those two games to get two massive wins for us,” Howe said, expressing gratitude for his team's efforts during his absence. With Newcastle fighting for a top-five finish and a potential Champions League spot, Howe's return is timely ahead of the crucial match against Ipswich.

“The staff behaved and acted absolutely brilliantly so a real tribute to them and now I'm back I hope I can add something to the group as we go into the last five games.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe revealed that his recent bout of pneumonia could have had serious consequences without prompt medical attention. “I'm one of those people, probably like most men, that you sort of go through everything, you don't necessarily offer yourself to doctors and people but think 'I'll be ok in a couple of days, I'll fight through it',” Howe said.

Eddie Howe on Ipswich Town:

"Ipswich have dangerous players in their team, they recently went to Bournemouth and won, and we know how hard that game is. I think they have had a difficult season, their away form has been very strong, they have done better away than they have at… pic.twitter.com/Vu5Pe2hTM1

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 25, 2025

He credited the quick intervention of the team's doctor, Paul Catterson, for preventing a potentially worse outcome. “So I was very thankful the doctor here, Paul Catterson, acted quickly because without that quick intervention it could possibly have had a different outcome,” Howe added.

Howe is relieved to be back to his daily routine, albeit with physical limitations. “I came back in and it was normal service resumed, probably minus running around,” he said. “A lot more reserved physically and I think I'm gonna be that way for a while, but certainly back to normal service.”