Ex-Oxford United man leaves Newcastle United with Eddie Howe

Howe is the latest Premier League boss to leave his post after only managing a 12th-placed finish in the table, behind fierce rivals and recently-promoted side Sunderland.

The 48-year-old leaves after five years in charge where he achieved Champions League qualification with the Magpies twice and won the League Cup, the club’s first trophy in 60 years.

Upon his departure, Howe said: “After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role.”

He continued: “I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.”

With the former Bournemouth boss, head of performance Dan Hodges along with coaches Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone have all left Tyneside.

READ MORE: Oxford United owner backs Gianni Infantino’s shock FIFA plan

READ MORE: Oxford United boss’ rally cry ahead of Ipswich Town clash

The latter of the four, Weatherstone, is a former Oxford player, beginning his career with the U’s in 1996 in the Championship, then known as Division One.

The 46-year-old played 54 times for the U’s and scored four goals before leaving the club for Boston United in 2001.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE OXFORD MAIL FOR 50% OFF!

(Image: Newsquest)

He finished his career with Eastbourne Borough in 2011, scoring his final professional goal against the Yellows to keep Eastbourne in the Conference National.

Weatherstone’s younger brother, Ross, also played for United and left for Boston in the same deal as Simon.

The ex-U’s midfielder was first team coach at Newcastle before leaving and is a respected coach having coached at Burnley and then at Bournemouth with Howe.