Eddie Howe not 100% but ready to get back to it after spending week in hospital with pneumonia

Eddie Howe was back in the hot seat on Friday morning as the Newcastle United gaffer faced the media ahead of Saturday's clash with Ipswich Town.

Assistant to the regional manager, Jason Tindall took charge of the last three games in Eddie Howe's absence as the boss was recovering, but the main man was back where he belongs on Friday morning after returning to work on Wednesday.

Renowned workaholic Howe was itching to get back to work as soon as possible, and even shocked a few staff members when he turned up for work on Wednesday.

And while the Newcastle boss was told to stay away until he was 100% fit, it seems as though he didn't listen fully to that advice.

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Eddie Howe has opened up on his big health scare

Eddie Howe admitted that he's not yet 100% when he addressed the media this morning (via The Chronicle).

"I'm not 100% in my body but I'd like to think I'm close to 100% in my mind, which is the important thing.

"It's been difficult. I try to take a positive from every experience but this has been a real challenge.

"The Leicester game I felt awful. I planned to come back to training ahead of Man Utd. I had a shower and was getting ready to go and something was telling me 'no'. That was the moment things changed.

"I was pleased to be told to go to hospital. That was the right place for me. It was a bit of a relief to get that care in that moment.

"The care I received from the NHS was first class. A big thank you to Charlotte Milne and all her staff who looked after me. The care and I love I felt from them. The well wishes I received from everyone - I really do appreciate it.

"I have to say it brings a sharper focus on what is important in your life. My family and friends looked after me in this period. It brings clarity. You can't take things for granted.

"You take your health for granted when you're feeling good. When you're suddenly faced with health issues, it's difficult to deal with - when you're in a job that demands you're there physically and mentally every day.

"I felt really bad - and didn't know how bad. I'm like most men, you probably think you're going to be OK in a few days. I was very thankful that the doctor here, Paul Catterson, acted really quickly."

Can Eddie Howe's return inspire a big win on Saturday?

It sounds like Eddie has really been put through the wringer, but it's good to see him back where he belongs.

Let's just hope he doesn't work himself into a relapse.

And maybe not quite as importantly, let's hope he can inspire the lads to a win tomorrow to get our Champions League challenge back on track.