Eddie Howe has come under pressure for a poor season so far with Newcastle United

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer doesn't feel that Eddie Howe will be reading too much into David Hopkinson's recent comments about the head coach. "I don't have a stance on his future," the Magpies CEO said when asked about Howe's future.

"What I can tell you is that the derby loss hurt. We take it seriously. There's nothing within us that thinks 'well, it's just three points and on we go'. It has resonated.

"I spent a couple of hours in a one-on-one lunch recently with Eddie, and we talked through a multitude of things, including that. Eddie's our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here, and we'll talk about the future when it's time. Right now, we're focused on this season's competition."

The comments have sparked further debate about Howe's future after the disappointing defeat to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, having crashed out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup in a matter of weeks.

Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive...