I have a different take on Eddie Howe, I see it as them readying for Championship football with a manager prepared to work at that level and build there. What top players are going to go to Newcastle in January, apart from overpaid mercenaries. All that will do is make the dressing room toxic as we have seen in past (think Villa when getting relegated)

As for Gerrard, he has a great back up staff who turned a massive points deficit on Celtic in 1 season. That staff includes our legend Garry Mac a well respected coach (better than as a manager under Bates)