EDDIE HOWE is not surprised to see Graham Alexander enjoying success as a manager – but seemed shocked to learn he didn’t like him at Burnley.
The two are in rival dug-outs at St James’ Park tonight as Carabao Cup holders Newcastle begin their defence by hosting Bradford City.
Bantams boss Alexander had been a stalwart of Burnley’s team until losing his place during Howe’s brief tenure at Turf Moor in 2011.
The Scot raised eyebrows ahead of their reunion at St. James’ Park by revealing: “I didn’t particularly like Eddie at the time and I’m sure he didn’t like me.”
Upon hearing those comments, a taken aback Howe said: “I really like Graham, so that’s news to me.
“It was a difficult situation. I was very young coming into a new club and part of my brief at Burnley was to try and change the side into a younger looking team in a new direction.
“Burnley’s squad at the time was heavy with experienced players having just come out of the Premier League. So it was a period of change really.
“Graham, I could see from the outset, was an absolute winner with his mindset. He wanted to do everything and play every game.
“Possibly looking back it was a learning experience for me. I didn’t play him enough and I should have played him more.
“I’m always very honest with my critique of myself. I made some mistakes early in my time at Burnley where maybe I should have trusted the experienced players a little bit more.”
He added: “In terms of his professionalism and how he conducted himself, he was absolutely top drawer.
“I always learn from the experienced players, especially when I was a younger coach because they were older than me. So I had no issues with him, a top professional and top player.
“It’s no surprise to me that he’s gone into management because he had those qualities even then. He was a big leader within the group, set the standards, and it’s great to see him doing so well. I’m really pleased for him.”
Meanwhile, Alexander also moved to dismiss talk of any bad blood still lingering as he recalled that difficult time at Burnley and heaped praise on his old manager.
He said: “I don’t think I helped Eddie or that I handled that whole period very well from my perspective.
“I don’t think we were the best of friends at that particular time. But I remember when I did leave and then when I got my first job as a manager, one of the first people that sent me a really nice message was Eddie. And we’ve been in contact since then.
“He’s a top manager. He’s proven that. I don’t have to speak about what he is. His record speaks for itself.
“I’m delighted for him because he is a good guy. It was just a clash of two people that wanted different things.”
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