Eddie Howe has rubbished suggestions that Nick Pope is set for a summer exit and commented on our search for a new sporting director following Dougie Freedman’s decision to stay at Crystal Palace.
Strong links with Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale has seen reports emerge on Pope’s future, with some believing his time on Tyneside could be coming to an end.
However, Howe insisted the 32-year-old remains a “vital part” of our squad. Asked if he still has a big part to play, the boss said: “Yeah absolutely. That (he is unsettled) has not come from anyone connected with the football club, I can assure you of that. Nick is a vital part of what we are doing.”
With Loris Karius set to be released and Martin Dubravka, 35, also expected to depart, it seems we are keen to bring in a younger goalkeeper able to compete for the No.1 jersey
As for our ongoing pursuit of Dan Ashworth’s replacement, Howe called it a “vital appointment” that must be sorted “quickly” as we head towards a vital summer for the club.
“For me, it is a vital appointment, ” Howe said. “We need to get the right person and ideally quickly. So much happens quickly at a football club. Every transfer window is hugely important. My preference would be that is sorted as quickly as it can be.”
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/05/27/howe-rubbishes-exit-rumour-and-urges-club-to-act-quickly-after-toon-snub/
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-05-27 10:15:56
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