Graeme Souness believes Newcastle have a “real chance” of finishing in the top six this season – but Simon Jordan thinks it’ll be a bridge too far, for now.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Toon boss was asked by Jim White if Eddie Howe’s Mags have what it takes to disrupt the ‘big six’ following an outstanding display in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Man City.
Souness believes the feel-good factor, improved style of play and brilliant atmosphere inside St James’ Park has given us a shot, also feeling our new owners “will spend” if we look like having a chance of securing European football.
On the flip side, Jordan feels expectations must be managed, believing bigger tests are to come when the team goes through adversity over the season. He also feels a top eight finish is more realistic, even if a top six finish is there to be had if Manchester United, West Ham and Leicester continue to struggle.
After finishing 11th last season, many believed a top 10 finish and cup run was a realistic goal going into the 2022/23 campaign. Those objectives remain, however there’s genuine belief that we are capable of going one better after that display against the champions.
Here’s what Souness had to say when asked if we’ve got what it takes to disrupt the big boys this season:
