Shola Ameobi supports Howe during Newcastle downturn, optimistic about Wissa and Woltemade
The English manager steered the Magpies to their first domestic trophy in 70 years by overcoming Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final last term. The team also secured a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.
That said, the campaign this year has proven tough for the side with six FA Cup triumphs, marked by underwhelming results in every tournament.
The club has endured defeats in their past five outings, such as the latest 1-0 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates, positioning them merely eight points clear of the drop zone.
In spite of the squads recent struggles and mounting discontent from supporters at St James Park, the ex-Nigeria forward, who dedicated 14 years to the club, maintains that the ex-Bournemouth boss remains the ideal choice to guide Newcastle United ahead.
"Absolutely. He's the best manager for Newcastle United, irrespective of what's happening right now," Ameobi shared with Flashscore.
"We're a little microcosm of the season, and things haven't been great on the pitch, but it doesn't mean that the direction of travel should change. Eddie Howe is the best manager for Newcastle United."
Newcastle United has surrendered a league-leading 25 points from advantageous positions, marking their second-poorest tally in a season since 2004-05, while scraping together only three points when trailing, tying for the divisions lowest.
Numerous observers attribute the Magpies woes in part to Alexander Isaks transfer to Liverpool last summer on a six-year contract for a UK record sum of £125 million (€144.5m/$169.3m).
Prior to his exit, the Swedish striker netted 27 times across all fronts in the 2024-25 term, yet Ameobi counters this view, stating: "No, I think ultimately, players come and go. Teams are going to always want good players.
"It's going to be the same this summer. We've got some good players that other teams will want. You have to deal with that if you want to be a top team.
"And ultimately, you have to be able to continue to work hard, find new players who can help you develop further, and get where you want to get to."
Ameobi foresees brighter times for Wissa and Woltemade
After Isaks departure to Anfield, Howes squad bolstered their forward line by signing Nick Woltemade for £69m ($93m) and Yoane Wissa for £55m ($74m).
The record acquisition Woltemade made a strong initial impression, finding the net seven times in his opening 14 Premier League games and boasting a goal rate of once every 157 minutes alongside a 27% conversion from shots.
That said, the German striker has endured a 16-match drought without goals, albeit featuring for just 597 minutes in that span and attempting only five efforts on target.
Meanwhile, the DR Congo star Wissa has been hampered by fitness problems, curtailing his opportunities to shine.
Even so, the 44-year-old ex-player holds faith that both additions will soon deliver.
"Injury obviously derailed Wissa's season. Ultimately, when you're trying to come into a new team, when you get injured for a few months, it's going to be hard to get back," Ameobi noted.
"I think he's still trying to find his best fitness, and Nick is coming from a different environment, a different culture.
"Again, I know how hard it is to transition into a team, how hard it is to make that instant impact. He's a great player, and I know he's going to come good as he continues to develop in the team."
Newcastle United hopes to halt their dismal streak as they welcome in-form Brighton and Hove Albion this Sunday.
Building on their 2-1 victory back in October, the Seagulls seek to achieve their second Premier League double against the Magpies, a feat last accomplished in 2020-21.
Conversely, Howes Newcastle has faced challenges in these encounters broadly, claiming victory in only two of 17 league clashes with Brighton (eight stalemates, seven losses), though both successes occurred on home soil.