Dan Burn has opened up on Eddie Howe's Newcastle United exit and his new role as club captain. The defender's comments came after a pre-season friendly against Strasbourg this week.
Howe decided to step down following a 12th-place Premier League finish last season and a heavy pre-season defeat. His departure ended a tenure that included winning the Carabao Cup in March 2025 and securing Champions League football. During the managerial change, Burn was officially appointed skipper, taking over from Bruno Guimaraes after the midfielder's summer transfer to Arsenal.
Burn admitted Howe's sudden exit caught him by surprise. The defender said he had been in regular contact with the manager during the off-season but learned of the decision via text message while in Canada. "I didn't think he was going to do it," Burn stated. "I knew he was disappointed after the Fulham game, but I thought after the summer he was going to be ready to come back."
The new captain acknowledged the need for change, even if he was sad to see Howe leave. "Listen, there's always time for change, and Eddie obviously thought that it was time for him to step away," he said. Burn now urges the squad to embrace the new philosophy under head coach Matthias Jaissle as they prepare for the season ahead.
Addressing the honour of leading his boyhood club, Burn expressed immense pride. "I'm very proud to be named club captain," he added. "Some things you can't really dream of when you're a kid, but for me that was a dream from very early on to be captain of Newcastle, so very grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to leading the lads this season."
Burn, who stands at 6ft 7in, joined Newcastle from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2022. He has made over 80 appearances for the club and is a key figure in the defence. His leadership will be vital for a squad that includes several younger players requiring support this campaign.
With pre-season concluded, attention turns to the competitive schedule. Jaissle's side begin their 2026-27 Premier League season by hosting Liverpool at St James' Park on Sunday, August 23. This opening fixture presents an immediate test for Burn's captaincy.
The club's pre-season included a 3-2 penalty shootout loss to Strasbourg after a 1-1 draw, following the 4-1 defeat to Bristol City that preceded Howe's departure. Integrating Jaissle's tactical ideas quickly will be important for a positive start. The current Premier League standings show the competitive landscape Newcastle are entering.
Burn's experience of playing under multiple managers should help the dressing room adapt. He emphasized that change can be positive if the effort is made to embrace it. As club captain, his task is to guide that transition and help build momentum from the first whistle against Liverpool.
