Manager made surprise decision to step down in JulySporting director disappointed to lose Bruno GuimarãesNewcastle’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, has revealed he began planning at the start of this year for Eddie Howe’s departure. Howe stepped down as manager in late July and the club turned to Matthias Jaissle, who had been identified as the preferred successor.Wilson, who arrived on Tyneside from Nottingham Forest, said: “Eddie leaving didn’t feel chaotic and it didn’t feel painful. Eddie would be the first to tell you that. I came here 10 or 11 months ago and I’ve been planning in the background for a managerial change over eight or nine of those months. That doesn’t mean we were always going to go to Matthias, but he was always part of our planning.” Continue reading...