This was not how it was supposed to be. When Mike Ashley relinquished ownership of the club to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in 2021, many fans envisaged a future where titles were won, and some of the best players in the world would be regularly appearing in the black and white stripes.
There are a whole host of reasons why that future did not come to pass, but the fact is that Newcastle has won just one League Cup in the years since. There have been some very memorable European nights at St James’ Park, with some very good footballers representing the club well, but one cup triumph is hardly a sign of breaking into the elite tier of English football.
This summer saw even more upheaval at the club, with Eddie Howe departing in July, and new manager Matthias Jaissle attempting to use the transfer window to stamp his style of play on the squad. It has not convinced the experts, with few of the best sportsbooks online tipping Newcastle to win anything this season. But can the Mags upset the form book? Can Newcastle challenge at all this year?
Right Time for Eddie to Go
Everyone at Newcastle loved Eddie Howe. After almost five years at the club, most of those fans would also agree that it was probably the right time for him to leave. Brought in after two impressive spells as Bournemouth manager, with a disappointing stint at Burnley in between, Howe instantly understood the mission at Newcastle.
He was the one who brought Champions League football back to the club, as well as a first major trophy in 70 years, but performances on the pitch had stalled. Howe himself has spoken of feeling drained, and we know his frustration with the club’s hierarchy when it came to recruitment played its part in that. Eddie was perfect for the club as it joined the top tier in England again, and for that we should all be grateful.
Transfer Window
Eddie Howe obviously felt as though he had nothing left to give the club, and in stepping down at the beginning of the summer, he allowed Newcastle – and the new man in charge – to recruit for a new era. With the huge sums paid by Premier League clubs, it must be said that the Mags enjoyed a successful transfer window.
There is no doubt that there is an element of risk with the new arrivals. Newcastle lost stars in Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali, but brought in a lot of money to rebuild the squad. Nico Gonzalez, Sean Steur, and Bazoumana Toure are all young players still aiming to prove their worth, and that should be exciting for the club. There is an inherent risk, of course, but it is good that the new manager seems to be keen to show that he can develop these players into the stars of tomorrow.
Positive Start
As much as any club can claim to have enjoyed a successful transfer window, the proof of the pudding is always only shown on the pitch – and Newcastle has started the season well. The fixture list throwing up games against Liverpool and a Spurs side that has seen huge investment this summer might have turned out to be a nightmare start. But four points from the two games is probably as much as Jaissle would have hoped for.
The fact that only a stoppage-time penalty robbed Newcastle of three points on the opening day and a 100% record shows that things could not have gone much better. Keeping hold of Lewis Hall has proven to be invaluable, and Jaissle is already getting more out of Anthony Elanga than was expected. Some more impressive performances and wins before the international breaks kick in, and Newcastle will be in a good position towards the end of the year.
Improvement Should be the First Target
Finishing down in 12th last season was a huge disappointment for everyone, as well as a sign for Eddie Howe to recognise his time at St James’ was probably up. It is something of a cliché in football, but anything improving that position should be the first target for Jaissle and his players.
Modern football being what it is, even finishing in the top ten would probably not be acceptable for some, however. With no European football to distract the team this season, ending the season in the top half should not be a problem, and the players have already shown that they seem to be up for the task.
Realistic Ambitions
So, can Newcastle challenge this season, then? If anyone is thinking that this team can suddenly push through and battle Arsenal and Manchester City for the title, they are deluded. The club is in a period of transition, and that means that any improvement should be welcomed.
But a realistic ambition should be qualifying for Europe again. Champions League would be ideal – and more possible if the Premier League receives an extra berth again – but getting into any of the other two competitions should be welcomed by the fans. European nights at St James’ are special and the potential for glory in the Europa or Conference Leagues is huge for English clubs.
There will be times this season when things are not going well. But as long as the fans keep faith in the manager and the players give 100% every time, there is no reason why finishing nearer the top of the table is impossible. From there, the club can develop further and return to challenging for the title in the years ahead.
