As Newcastle United supporters filtered out of St James’ Park after yet another home defeat, there was a dark, sombre mood in the air.
There was some anger, a lot of frustration after another meek, error-strewn performance against Bournemouth, but mainly there was sadness that manager Eddie Howe had reached this point.
Newcastle fans do not want to turn on Howe. Even his most ardent critics appreciate everything he has done for the club, but things are reaching a tipping point.
If Howe is going to be replaced in the summer, they want to know. If he is staying, they want to digest that information and decide how they feel about it. The uncertainty is killing them and it is unsettling the players and the manager too.
What Newcastle need now is clarity. Howe’s future hangs like a neon light question mark dangled over St James’ Park. He has lost the support of some. A growing number of disillusioned followers feel it is time for him to go.
Even the club’s former captain, Alan Shearer, chimed in over the weekend, accusing Howe of wasting money on bad players last summer and predicting he will walk at the end of the season.