Can anyone believe it’s been a whole year since the takeover?
The news that it was back on seemed to come out of nowhere and, understandably, we didn’t want to get our hopes up for what felt like a millionth time, only to have them dashed again.
But thankfully, it wasn’t the drawn-out affair it had been every time before and within about 24 hours, it was confirmed.
For anyone who went to St James’ that night, whether for a pit stop or the whole evening (I’m guilty of the latter), it was an unforgettable experience.
The atmosphere was jubilant for hours, even as the crowd waned. The stragglers (again, guilty) were chivvied away by the police around 11.30pm.
Happily, the atmosphere has been replicated at St James’ for almost every match since.
The past 12 months as an NUFC supporter have felt like a fever dream. We’ve gone from supporting a soulless husk of a club to one that has ambitions and dreams – and the money to make them a reality.
We get excited about the actual matches and not just the day out again.
The football has been transformed. Players look like they care again and there’s been a togetherness in the squad we hadn’t seen in a while.
We might not have replicated the form we had between January and May, but it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. Heads noticeably dropped at the Bournemouth game but the confidence-boosting result at Fulham at the weekend will surely rectify that.
There’s still a good way to go. A cup run or the Europa Conference League must be the target this season as we look to build organically instead of throwing money everywhere like City did almost instantly.
The summer was quieter than many of us expected but Howe and our owners were shrewd and smart. Not allowing ourselves to be held to ransom simply because we have massive financial backing sets a good precedent for the future.
We’ve brought in recruits who are talented but who have the right attitude. There’s no place for prima donnas right now. Look at the way Botman lights up when we score. He turned down Milan to come to Newcastle. Isak is one of the smartest forward players we’ve had in some time – even if the rest of the team needs to gel with him still. We recognised Matty Targett’s outstanding value in that period of Champions League form and snapped him up.
Exactly one year on, I still don’t think I’ve quite processed the takeover and how dramatically it changes the future course of the club. I’m not sure I ever will.
Progress will be slow and steady – but the change in atmosphere and attitude from the club and us supporters has been indescribably positive.
Here’s to the next year under proactive, passionate and positive new ownership – and many, many more after that.
These football festivals are a part of what makes me so happy and feel so honored to be a part of it. I’m sure you’ll love it too.
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