You know something pretty sensational is happening when even Richard Keys struggles to find anything negative to say about Newcastle United!
The former Sky Sports host felt Howe was a dubious appointment back in November and described Dan Burn’s arrival as ‘underwhelming’, saying Targett was in a similar category and that Kieran Trippier was ‘not going to win you many games.’
Barely a month later, he’s eaten his words – only this time his comments on Newcastle United are surprisingly fair now he’s been proved horribly wrong!
He’s given Howe ‘top marks’ for the job he’s done, believes there’s ‘no way’ we are getting relegated and even reckons there’s an outside chance of a top 10 finish after being hugely impressed by ‘enormous’ duo Joelinton and Dan Burn:
“Top marks for Eddie Howe as well.
“What a run Newcastle are on. They’re safe.
“There’s no way they’re getting back into trouble.
“They might even finish top half. Why not? They’re playing well enough.
“And it’s [Newcastle’s results have] been built on simplicity – with the solid citizens I mentioned here a couple of weeks ago.
“Yes – Joelinton has been enormous – but so has Dan Burn.
“They’ll need a whole lot better than either of those two guys if they want to achieve their dreams – but right now it’s great to see the likes of Burn getting a good press.”
The last comment may seem like a little dig he couldn’t resist, yet it may actually point towards a dilemma facing Howe and our new owners in the not too distant future.
IF (and it’s a big if) we can establish ourselves as a top 10 club next season, how much longer will the likes of Burn and Joelinton be a part of our first team plans?
Either way, it’s brilliant to see the club finally heading in the right direction an looking up after new signings and existing squad members have well and truly stepped up since Howe came in!
Everton should be the warning to all clubs that think having cash solves all your problems? In many ways it can create more problems than it solves. Bad apples like Dele Ali see these rich clubs as a dumping ground to hide out in. Beware of that type of player beware Nufc, Lingard I have my doubts.
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