By Adenike Lawal
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed deep gratitude to the club’s doctor, Paul Catterson, whose swift action, he says, may have saved his life following a serious bout of pneumonia.
The 47-year-old coach was hospitalized on April 11 after battling several days of illness. He has since missed three Premier League matches, only returning to work on Thursday.
“Without that quick intervention, it possibly could’ve had a different outcome,” Howe said during his first press appearance since his recovery. Reflecting on the ordeal, he confessed he initially brushed off the symptoms. “I felt really bad, but I didn’t know how bad,” he admitted. “Like a lot of people, I tried to fight through it.”
Though not yet fully recovered, Howe said he feels mentally strong.
“I’m not 100 percent physically, but I like to think I’m close to 100 percent mentally – and that’s what really matters.”
During Howe’s absence, assistant manager Jason Tindall and coach Graeme Jones took charge, leading the team to two wins and one defeat. Howe gave full credit to his staff.
“I made a conscious decision to step back completely. You’re either all in or all out. I said to Jason, ‘It’s over to you.’ And didn’t he do well?”
Howe followed the games from home, including wins against Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
“I wasn’t really there mentally for the first two, but I was so proud of the performances. They lifted me.”
As the Magpies prepare to host Ipswich at St James’ Park on Saturday, Howe is easing back into duties and carrying a renewed appreciation for health.
“You take your health for granted. When you don’t have the luxury of feeling normal, it can be very difficult,” he said.
With the worst behind him, Howe is focused on the road ahead – both personally and professionally.
