Newcastle's decline in the second part of the season means they are set to end this campaign in the bottom half of the table.

So with no European football secured, questions are being asked of manager Eddie Howe and whether he should be looking over his shoulder this summer.

"It does feel like Howe may be on his way out in the summer," ESPN's Mark Ogden told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "But I think Newcastle will live to regret that.

"He's the sane and calm voice in that club that they need, but the mood has changed among the fans and they have become frustrated.

"I don't think Howe is getting the benefit of the doubt for what happened last summer. The Alexander Isak situation was beyond his control and they lost their sporting director. They have had all types of upheaval.

"Howe is a manager who likes to be in control and although he's not totally in control of recruitment, they brought players in late and that weren't suited to the club. They've also had injuries.

"I think he's a really good manager but I do fear for Eddie Howe."

The Magpies are still reeling from a poor summer transfer window where they are failing to see much of a return from a £100m-plus net recruitment drive that Howe was heavily involved in.

"If there is to be a criticism of Newcastle then it is their recruitment in the summer because it has been particularly poor," added Chris Sutton. "They spent the best part of £250m and the likes of Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey have all been on the periphery.

"The centre-forwards, who were brought in to replace Isak, just haven't fired. They've got eight goals between them and they spent a fortune on them.

"Howe's tried to use Nick Woltemade in a midfield role which doesn't suit him either. He doesn't fit into Howe's team because he doesn't make those runs in from behind and he's not mobile."

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