Howe's quick return the perfect tonic for Magpies

EDDIE Howe had given notice. "I look forward to being back as soon as possible," the Newcastle United boss signed off a short statement last week. Sure enough, just nine days later, Howe parked up at the training ground.

- By CIARAN KELLY

Few will have imagined Howe coming back quite so soon, after he was hospitalised with pneumonia, but the relentless Newcastle head coach's return won't necessarily have surprised those closest to him ahead of tomorrow's visit of Ipswich Town.

Indeed, it was just last week that friend, former coaching colleague and ex-team-mate Steve Fletcher told said: “Eddie will do anything to be there. He's just that way inclined.”

It is important to point out that Newcastle's coaching team have stepped up admirably in Howe's absence - overseeing two wins in three games - while making the absent Magpies boss proud was a powerful driver for players and staff alike during his absence.