A lot has happened at Newcastle United in the last two years. On 7 October 2021, the much-maligned Mike Ashley sold the club to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) with the help of 10% shareholder Amanda Stavely. Implications for the club’s playing future were huge, but the media seemed more interested in PIF’s geographical status.
After the furore of Saudi ownership in the EPL died down, it became clear how the extra funds and financial savvy would affect playing matters.
This clarity started with the appointment of Eddie Howe. The sought-after young English manager touted as a potential future leader of the English national team took charge on 8 November 2021. This was almost a month to the day after the club’s ownership changed hands with Newcastle sitting in the Premier League’s relegation zone. The Magpies had only managed seven points from the season’s first 14 games.
It took time for the players to adapt to the new manager’s style and vision. By the time January 2023 arrived, though, Newcastle had doubled their points tally during Howe’s first six games in charge. Interested fans and pundits alike waited to see what Newcastle’s new riches would bring during the winter transfer window.
When the window opened, Eddie Howe and his team recruited wisely. The Toon Army may have expected some big-name signings at St. James Park. This was hardly the case, but the players that Howe did sign fitted into his vision seamlessly.
Howe identified that Newcastle already had the makings of a team that could compete without having to break the bank. A few decent additions would make Newcastle’s transformation easier, though. As such, the club spent £85 million during the window. Among those recruited were England full-back Kieran Trippier, central defender Dan Burn, and Brazilian international midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
Howe’s plan bore immediate fruit, with Newcastle accumulating a further 35 points in the remaining 18 EPL games. The strong relegation candidates in December ended the season safely in mid-table, finishing 11th. In fact, had the league started in January, Newcastle would have ended in fourth position!
This delighted the Toon Army with one, @SolarrBoop, aptly expressing their general feelings on social media:
“What an appointment Eddie Howe has turned out to be, fantastic second-half of the season to finish 11th. Can’t wait for next season, first time in a while I’ve said that!”
2022/23 would not disappoint @SolarrBoop and others either. We all know what happened next – Newcastle’s fine form under Howe saw the team finish in fourth position. The Magpies hence qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in two decades. £63 million record signing Alexander Isak contributed to this success with 10 goals in his 22 EPL appearances.
Before the current campaign, The Magpies strengthened their ranks even further. Italian Sandro Tonali’s acquisition set a new transfer record. Standout Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes also joined. With Newcastle’s new recruits bedding in, the new EPL season has started slowly, but every club fan knows that fireworks are around the corner.
A sign of the consistent improvement of Newcastle United under PIF and Eddie Howe is how Bruno Guimarães’ value has increased. The midfielder’s valuation is an astounding £47 million higher than when he joined the club. With Tonali beside him in midfield, Guimarães’ consistent contributions should improve match and futures odds for the team. In fact, many platforms included in a comparison of online bookmakers aren’t completely writing them off for the Premier League. At odds of around 33/1 at the time of writing, stranger things have definitely happened.
The recent away draw at Inter Milan in the club’s Champions League return will grow Newcastle’s confidence further. Mostly though, it’s the league form shown by The Magpies since Eddie Howe took over that will give the Toon Army another season to remember!
You were doing so well Vinay untill you mixed up Inter Milan with AC Milan
BigDog(Quote)