Trophy success 'doesn't shield a manager forever'

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The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes Newcastle United "will not get a better manager" than Eddie Howe, but admits there have been "so many disappointments" this season after dropping more points against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Magpies have dropped 25 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season - five more than any other side. If they had kept hold of those points, they would be second in the table.

"We have reached the point where it's about a pain threshold and a tolerance level," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. "If you're a Newcastle supporter, it's about how much more you can take.

"This season is certainly on the brink of a real spectacular implosion after another hugely disappointing result at the weekend.

"It was the same sort of failings in terms of them not being able to hold on to a lead, not seeming to know how to play with a lead, and then buckling under pressure late on.

"This season is almost at the point of being written off for Newcastle. It's got to a point where either you believe Eddie Howe is the right man to lead the rebuild or you are calling for him to go.

"You can lay the blame at the manager's door, but he is the most successful manager in the club's history so I would certainly back him. I don't think they will get a better manager.

"He is the most successful manager in the club's modern history. He has outperformed Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan, but I get that doesn't shield a manager forever.

"I'm not a supporter and I'm not paying money to watch this team. It's up to the supporters if they can tolerate this.

"It's a difficult situation because the club have punched above their weight for four years to get into the Champions League twice and win a domestic trophy. They have been the Premier League disruptors, alongside Aston Villa, but it's so hard to do that consistently."

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