'I just hope when we look back, what we remember is the magic'

[BBC] [Getty Images] Eddie Howe has given Newcastle fans some of our happiest memories. We broke our trophy drought with him. We got into the Champions League twice with him. We fell back in love with Newcastle United with him. And now he's gone. Last season was a struggle. This summer's transfer window (and, of course, last summer's transfer window) has been less than inspiring. In those terms, it makes sense that Howe has departed, to make way for someone else to make their mark on the club. Wednesday's defeat at Bristol City in a pre-season friendly sort of cemented that for me. The timing, despite the thrashing in Bristol, does seem a little odd. The conversation about Howe's future has been in the air since the beginning of the year. It looked certain he would leave after being beaten twice by Sunderland . He stayed. The season ended on a disappointing note. The timing, for me, is the thing that is difficult to understand. This could have happened in May, at the end of the season, when a lot of high-calibre managers were looking for new clubs. It was clear, at that point, that Howe needed a break. One of the things we have loved about him as a manager is how much he clearly cares about the team, the club and the city. Our poor performances in the latter part of the season were taking a visible toll on him. Perhaps it would have been a better idea for this amicable separation to have happened at that point? More than that, however, it would have given us a chance to celebrate Howe's achievements. Some might scoff at that, but I prefer to be a bit romantic with it all. Maybe him leaving this way is football, and the nature of the beast. I just hope when we look back what we remember is the magic, because it really was for a while. Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast