March 31 : Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson offered lukewarm backing to under-fire manager Eddie Howe on Tuesday after supporters booed the team off following a derby defeat by bitter rivals Sunderland. Howe's side slumped to 12th in the Premier League following the dramatic 2-1 loss at St James' Park in their last game before the international break, as promoted Sunderland achieved a league double over their neighbours. The defeat came days after Newcastle capitulated in