Jamaal Lascelles reveals only regret about Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United surprise

Jamaal Lascelles and Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)

Jamaal Lascelles admits he was shocked when he heard Eddie Howe was leaving Newcastle United, with the former captain adamant things could have been very different without him.

Howe took over from Steve Bruce five years ago and guided the club from the bottom of the Premier League and into the Champions League while also lifting the Carabao Cup along the way. Lascelles left Newcastle for Leicester City in January but has been unable to find a new club since his release in the summer.

Lascelles said: "I was really shocked when I found out that Eddie had left. Really shocked, couldn't believe it to be honest.

"More than anything, I just want the fans to be happy with what has happened at their club."

Howe is now taking a breather from football management but has been linked with the Manchester United job, with Michael Carrick under fire after a slow start this season. Lascelles hopes that Howe's contributions on Tyneside aren't forgotten in a hurry.

Lascelles told Sky Sports: "I actually love Eddie Howe, what he did for the football and where he picked us up after struggling against relegation to a complete shift in mindset in the whole team.

"Everybody just trusted him and believed in him and got his message. We were on board with him straight away.

"And yeah, from where he took us to where he left the club, he can look himself in the mirror and say he did a fantastic job.

"A great man and so hard working, he used to be at the training ground at 6am and not leave until 5pm."

Lascelles actually lost his place under Howe and suffered two bad knee injuries, but feels his career would have benefited from playing under the ex-Bournemouth boss earlier.

He said: "I always wish I'd had him as boss when I was say 22 as a younger player, as he is so good at improving individuals and giving clear instructions and a clear team philosophy.

"Every person in the team knows their role. If somebody didn't play, they wouldn't kick up a fuss as they wanted the team to win."

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