Howe reveals what to expect from his new-look NUFC after 10 days of training goes “very well”

Eddie Howe believes we’ll see a Newcastle United side playing for “the shirt, the supporters and the badge” when Brentford come to town tomorrow.

Ahead of his first game in charge, the 43-year-old also hopes to see his side show signs of a new style of play, feeling they are fit and ready to ‘do the city proud’ after responding well to his methods in training.

Howe insists that preparation for the game has gone “very well”, saying they’ve covered a lot of bases and attempted to implement his philosophy in a “steady way.”

It seems training has been intense, with him aiming to up our fitness levels by ‘2-3%’ to make sure we can come on strong late in games – something we rarely did well under Steve Bruce this season.

That said, he’s stressed that the players have not been “overworked” ahead of such a crucial game.

Here’s what Howe told the press this morning when asked about our preparations:

“I think we’ve planned very well.

“I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long long time, making sure I was ready to go from day one.

“I’m pleased with the work we’ve delivered. You have to cover a lot of bases.

“It’s been a really good 10 days, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The players have responded really well to what we’ve asked.

“It has been intense but not every day. We haven’t overworked the players but we’ve tried to implement our philosophy in a steady way.”

“I think they’re a fit group but I think we can top that up and make them stronger – an extra 2/3%.

“Late in games hopefully that can make a difference for us.

“We have implemented a couple of changes to their training but ultimately they’re fit – their stats this season have not been too bad.”

‘I’d like to think you’ll see a Newcastle team playing in the way I want to.

“I think you’ll see a team playing for the shirt, the supporters, the badge – and doing the city proud.”

It’s great to see positive and determined words from a Newcastle United manager, who seems confident in his players and pre-match preparations ahead of what some are calling a must-win game.

Howe also sent this message to supporters ahead of a ‘massive day’ for the football club:

“Tomorrow is a massive day for everybody connected with the football club.

“The supporters have shown how important it is, a sell-out.

“I’m sure the atmosphere will be a brilliant thing for me and my players to experience.

“I thank the supporters for everything they’ve done for me for this point, how welcome they’ve made us feel, me and my staff.

“I just urge them to really try and help the team get a win tomorrow.“