Howe's final words as Newcastle boss speak volumes after Toon exit

Eddie Howe didn't shy away from admitting there was "potentially more upheaval to come" in his final Newcastle interview as his five-year spell comes to an end.

The Englishman took charge of the Magpies when they were in the relegation zone and has since made them a Champions League outfit and a side who claim silverware.

Those glory days do appear a thing of the past and the Newcastle decline has been notable, owing to them selling the bulk of their leading lights. Alexander Isak's forced exit last summer set in motion a period of events that has led to Howe quitting the club.

A dire off-season of transfer business meant Newcastle finished last year in 12th. They've since lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali whilst Bruno Guimaraes has made it clear he wants to move to Arsenal - and Howe claimed more changes are likely.

He said: "There's been a lot of upheaval at the football club with potentially more to come. I think there's always reasons to be optimistic and that's very much my default setting. I believe great things are possible every season with a real buzz of what's ahead. I see no reasons to be any different this year."

His comments came after a 4-1 humiliation at Championship side Bristol City, which was far from the ideal preparation for the new Premier League season. It did not show a team in harmony despite several first-team stars running out at Ashton Gate.

Howe has earned huge plaudits for the work he's done at St James' Park but he's seen his best players leave over the last year and Guimaraes, who has not yet returned to the squad, is the latest to want out. The former Bournemouth boss conceding he wasn't getting any promises that the Brazilian would remain.

He told the Chronicle: "We’ve spoken numerous times. Assurances? I don’t think you can push too hard for those. I’ve said many times we want players who are committed, and Bruno has always been committed.

"His training performances and his game performances have been outstanding, every time he’s worn the shirt, he’s played with the fans by his side. I’d love to see that continue."

Howe also admitted: "What will be, will be. We can’t control the forces that are at play here".

It will no longer be Howe who is left to pick up the pieces from that decision with the 48-year-old walking away from the job. "Every day as Newcastle manager is a great day for me. I absolutely love the football club and that will never change," he said less than 24 hours before leaving."