Eddie Howe is the smartest man in the building at St James’ Park. It is staggeringly stupid that the head coach has to defend himself against comments by the new club sporting director.
This is the same sporting director who, in the nine days since a controversial interview in which he questioned the transfer dealings of Howe and others, has not spoken with the manager to offer context and reassurance.
And so, on Friday morning, Howe answered questions on his relationship with Paul Mitchell, whose last communication with him was through the media.