It is undeniable that anything related to Newcastle United Football Club is big news these days. Whether it is rumors of player arrivals and departures or which big-name coach is supposedly being lined up to take over from Eddie Howe, a sign of the club’s importance is the constant attention it receives.
As far as the fans go, we are more interested in how the club is getting on in the league and cup competitions that we have entered. Unfortunately, things have not been as positive on that front in recent months and not many sportsbook soccer markets have Newcastle down to win anything this season.
Any fan will tell you that progression is key though. So, with that in mind, what is the state of play at St. James’ Park? And what does the future hold for the Toon Army? Here’s our look at the season so far and what we can expect from the next few months – and beyond.
Start of the Season
After years of being seen as a club with one of the most loyal fan bases – but little actual success to show for it – Newcastle was transformed in 2021. Much has been said about the owners and the way that the club has changed since they took over. But this was the season where great things were expected.
That is not to say that any Newcastle fans would have seriously thought that we would go on to win the league. But after last season’s top-four finish, there was a general feeling that the team would only improve and that we may well be getting ready to welcome some silverware to the club.
State of Play
So, where are we now? League form has nosedived since the beginning of December and a repeat qualification berth for the Champions League next season is looking further away with every disappointing result. Injuries have obviously played their part – and things will get better – but this is not what the fans were expecting.
The Champions League adventure was almost everything it promised to be. Thrashing PSG just two weeks after holding Milan to a draw got a lot of people very excited. But finishing bottom of even a very good group was disappointing. Now that we’ve had a taste of the competition again, we want some more.
Losing out to Chelsea in the EFL Cup was also a disappointment but nothing to get too worried about. Playing – and beating – Sunderland in the FA Cup might even be many fans’ favorite memory of this season so far but this should now be a competition that Eddie Howe seriously considers a priority.
Player Activity
With so much money coming into the club, and then being spent on players, it is unsurprising that departures will occur. But many fans will be distressed at the news of so many possibly leaving in the January transfer window. With so many injuries, losing top players should not be on the agenda.
It is also disappointing to discover that some of the players are even considering moving away from Newcastle with the club enjoying so much potential for the future. Those who have seen game time more limited wanting to move is more understandable but the rumors coming out of the club have not made for pleasant reading.
League and Cup Hopes
We now find ourselves in a position of having two very obvious aims for the rest of the season. Another top-four finish is nowhere near guaranteed but is needed if we are to continue to attract a certain level of player. That is why scrambling around the middle of the division at this time of the year is not acceptable.
Although the Premier League is the obvious priority, a successful FA Cup run is something that needs to be part of the plan. Not only will victories in that competition breed more success, but it can also allow the fans to celebrate something tangible. In the long run, FA Cup glory could end up being seen as the triumph that kicked off a period of dominance.
Next Season
A lot depends on what happens in the remainder of this season, as to how the next campaign pans out. Another year of Champions League football would mean that Newcastle will be able to attract top players from across the world – and we have already seen that the owners have not bought marquee names just for the sake of it.
But even if a top four finish is not achieved, a place in the Europa League should be the minimum requirement. That would keep Newcastle as part of the European question and attract new faces. A push for managing to finish in a Champions League spot would then be attainable.
Long-Term Plan as a Top-Tier Club
Anyone who attended games at St. James’ Park just five years ago can see how the club has changed in just about every way since the current owners took over. A feeling of optimism has emerged and a real belief that the club can succeed domestically and in continental competition.
As much as most fans are fully behind Eddie Howe, it will not be a surprise if a new coach comes in, possibly in the summer. It depends on who that will be as to what kind of player then starts running out onto the field in the famous black and white stripes.
But we can be confident that Newcastle is part of the top-tier of English football. Being able to compete with the biggest clubs is what every fan wants and we are now in a position to do so. Winning a trophy or two relatively soon would be nice though!
