On the surface, what finally convinced the Newcastle boss to walk away appears to be a 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Championship side Bristol City, but this was far from the decisive blow.
Eddie Howe has left his role as Newcastle United head coach after 231 games and just under five years at St James’ Park. His exit comes in the wake of a 4-1 defeat by Bristol City in a pre-season friendly at Ashton Gate on Wednesday evening, after which he hinted at changes at the club.
The decision has been taken following discussions with the club's hierarchy over the last 48 hours, although Howe had started the ball rolling on a potential departure a number of weeks ago.
Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli Is the favourite to replace Howe and Newcastle are hopeful of putting him in charge within 24 hours. By Thursday morning the Newcastle hierarchy’s negotiations with Jaissle were said to be at an advanced stage. Kieran McKenna and Antonio Conte were other names on the shortlist before Newcastle decided on Jaissle, who will take charge of Newcastle's pre-season training camp in La Manga.
Newcastle won 84 of their 179 Premier League games under Howe, drawing 38 and losing 57. He oversaw more Premier League wins - 84 - than any other Newcastle manager. His Premier League win percentage of 46.9% at the club is bettered only by Kevin Keegan.