Eddie puts Toon top of his list

CLUB BEFORE COUNTRY | EDDIE HOWE wants proof he still has the clout to build Newcastle in his own mould.

- Simon Bird

Howe has been hitting the gym in pre-season, pumping up his muscles, building his strength, and he is ready for the football, political and managerial battles ahead.

Will that mean a move to England? Diplomatically, he said: "Wherever I've worked, I've never had a career agenda football management changes so quickly.

"England is a very special job for someone. I am very patriotic and I'm not ashamed to say that. I love my country, I want my country to do well. I was gutted for Gareth Southgate and the lads that they did not win the Euros.

"I don't have that job like a burning sensation that I have to do it at some stage.