Eddie Howe will miss his first game as Newcastle United manager, having tested positive for COVID-19. 

The club confirmed the news on Friday evening, less than 24-hours before they're due to play host to Brentford in the Premier League.

Howe was appointed just prior to the international break, and the game with the Bees was due to be his big coming out party at St. James's Park.

Instead, Graeme Jones - who had been in temporary charge after Steve Bruce's sacking - along with Howe's no.2, Jason Tindall will man the sideline on Saturday afternoon.

"I’m very disappointed that I won’t be there with you all at St. James’ Park tomorrow," said Howe, "But it is incredibly important that I follow the guidelines and self-isolate.

"I’d like to reassure everyone that I feel fine, and while this is unwelcome news for me, I know it hasn’t derailed our preparations for what is an important game.

"I have been, and will be, in constant communication with my coaching team and the players, both tomorrow and during the week, and I know they will be giving everything on and off the pitch."

Howe must isolate for a period of ten days, meaning he's also likely to miss next week's trip to Arsenal as well.

Newcastle are second-from-bottom in the Premier League table, with just 5 points to their name after eleven games.

The Magpies also confirmed on Friday that Lee Charnley had left the club.

He'd spent the past seven years as managing director during Mike Ashley's unpopular stewardship of the Tyneside club.

Charnley said, "To have been at Newcastle United for 22 years has been an honour and a privilege, and the club, its people and our city will always be very special to me.

"As it enters a new chapter in its history under new owners, I wish Amanda [Staveley], the rest of the board and everyone connected with the club every success."

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