Eddie Howe has admitted he now has a different outlook on life after opening up on the “difficult” experience he endured after being hospitalised with pneumonia. Howe was taken to hospital earlier this month just a few days before Newcastle’s match against Manchester United after falling ill.
The Newcastle manager missed three matches while he was unwell, handing over the reins to his assistant Jason Tindall. The Magpies picked up convincing wins over Manchester United and Crystal Palace before being hammered by Aston Villa in his absence.
The club confirmed on Thursday that Howe was now well enough to return to work and the 47-year-old spoke to the media at the training ground ahead of their Premier League match against Ipswich on Saturday afternoon.
“I’m not 100 per cent in my body but I’d like to think I’m close to 100 per cent in my mind, which is the important thing,” he said. “It’s been difficult. I try to take a positive from every experience but this has been a real challenge.
“[During] the Leicester game I felt awful. I planned to come back to training ahead of Man United. I had a shower and was getting ready to go and something was telling me ‘no’. That was the moment things changed.
“I was pleased to be told to go to hospital. That was the right place for me. It was a bit of a relief to get that care in that moment.
“The care I received from the NHS was first class. A big thank you to Charlotte Milne and all her staff who looked after me. The care and I love I felt from them. The well wishes I received from everyone, I really do appreciate it.
“I have to say it brings a sharper focus on what is important in your life. My family and friends looked after me in this period. It brings clarity. You can’t take things for granted.
“You take your health for granted when you’re feeling good. When you’re suddenly faced with health issues, it’s difficult to deal with – when you’re in a job that demands you’re there physically and mentally every day.
“I felt really bad – and didn’t know how bad. I’m like most men, you probably think you’re going to be OK in a few days. I was very thankful that the doctor here, Paul Catterson, acted really quickly.
“I’d like to think I would act differently if feeling that way again. I do think it’s important as there’s a temptation to think you can fight through anything. When I felt well enough, the laptop was straight back out. I was watching Ipswich Town straight away!”
Howe also paid tribute to his long-time assistant Tindall for stepping up in his absence. “I made a conscious decision, when I felt I didn’t feel well enough to focus on the football, to give Jason and all the coaches the full responsibility,” he added.
“For me, you’re either all in or all out, and I couldn’t contribute, so I said to Jason right at the start. It’s over to you and and didn’t he do well?”
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