Newcastle are treading water under Eddie Howe and their owners need to face reality

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Eddie Howe once smashed through the glass ceiling as Newcastle United manager. But it feels like the sky is no longer the limit for him on Tyneside.

Winning a domestic cup for a club which had no relationship with silverware whatsoever, has earned Howe a lot of respect. As does getting Newcastle a seat at the top table of the Champions League.

But blokes like Howe know managers like him only have so much credit in the bank. And that it can be spent at a rapid rate.

That stepping out of the comfort zone on a trip into the unknown, can expose someone's limitations. Like Barcelona did in the Nou Camp this week.

Newcastle and Howe were shown to be out of their depth. Leaving them humiliated, humbled and heading towards the mother of all inquests.

But the main question Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners should be asking themselves is this: Is Howe still the manager to lead the club to that next level?

One which sees Newcastle challenge for the Premier League title - and is competitive in the latter stages of Europe?

The chances are Newcastle won't be in the Champions League again next season.

Howe's side are treading water in mid-table. Which feels about right for a manager who has flirted with an elite level, but been found wanting.

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The chances are Howe's ambition matches that of his club. But his managerial capabilities won't make those dreams come true.

Howe was believed to be the next England manager after Thomas Tuchel. But this won't be happening anytime soon, now Tuchel has penned a new deal with the FA.

So come the end of this season, one which now appears to rest on nothing more significant than the Tyne/Wear derby this weekend, Newcastle's rulers have a big decision to make.

Whether to stick with Howe and hope he can prove himself at a higher level. Or twist and find another manager who can.

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Newcastle remain one of the richest clubs in world football. But what is the point in lavishing some of this wealth on a manager who has proven capable, but incapable of rubbing shoulders with the best?

Howe could well be one of those managers who isn't as good as he thinks he is. It's quite a common problem in the game.

And the sooner Newcastle's owners realise this, the sooner the club can make a serious stab at challenging for the game's greatest trophies.

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