NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe has insisted he will never hide from the truth after forcing himself to sit through another video nasty.

The Magpies’ 4-2 Premier League defeat at Brentford on December 7 prompted Howe and assistant Graeme Jones to watch the game back on the team coach as they headed back to Tyneside, and whatever they saw was put to good use as the club immediately went on a nine-game winning run.

That ended last Saturday when Bournemouth left St James’ Park with a stunning 4-1 victory, and once more – and perhaps to the dismay of his family – the head coach put himself through it all over again once he got home.

He said: “I had to watch it straight away as soon as I got home – great Saturday night for my family. I had to find what I think are the answers for my own peace of mind, and then I can enjoy what is to come.

“I have to face the reality. I don’t like to hide away from it, so if there is something, a truth to be found, if there is something I need to expose with my own eyes, then I will try to confront it.

“When you are a manager and you are trying to lead a club of this size, you have to try to face the truth sometimes and not hide away from it.”

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Howe and his players will have a chance to put things right at Southampton on Saturday.  They know they have to ensure last week’s debacle – which in truth was due as much to Bournemouth’s excellence as their own failings – is a one-off if they are to retain their place in the top six and push for even higher.

Howe said: "It's been a good thing [to have a free week], when you look back at the Bournemouth game, the players looked fatigued. It has given us a chance to rest a few bodies and minds and get back to work."

Southampton, the Premier League's bottom club, have lost their last five games but Howe is taking nothing for granted after a hard-fought home win against Saints on the first day of the season.

He said: "It was a really difficult game against a newly promoted team. They showed their qualities that day, they are a very technical team. They have a very aggressive man-to-man style off the ball, so we are going to have to deal with that."