Of course not. I said he did brilliantly last year, but based on results this year, but how much of that was new manager/owner bounce, and how much of it was down to howe’s tactical ability? If you don’t agree that it was due to new owner and the excitement around the club, then fair enough. But in that case it must mean that it was all howe, in which case, surely this season he is therefor underperforming, especially when he has the same squad that did so well, plus £100m worth if inclement in it? or, like I’m suggesting, he was helped by the fee good factor last year, and now that has worn off, hes showing that atm he’s a solid mid-low table prem manager and nothing more than that so far.
You'll get very little but mental gymnastics on here when you try to suggest a balanced view. If you're delusional it's fine, but otherwise you'll be seen as negative rather than rational.
As with anything it will have been a combination of the two. Not just one and not just the other. This season will give a better indication as whilst there is still an element of “Ashley’s gone” factor it will be more down to how Howe does. Again as it’s only 7 games in it’s far too early to say about this season so far especially as those 7 games include Liverpool away, City at home (two of the most difficult games in a season) and Brighton and Wolves away (tough games these days). Give it at least half a season or better a full season and then decide if Howe has it or not. From what I’ve seen he has the makings of a very good manager. I’m not saying he’s a great manager, and I have watched one of the best ever, it’s too early for that but he has prospects to be a very good manager. I and most sensible Newcastle fans are prepared to give him time.
