IT’S PARTY TYNE in Newcastle – and you cannot help but feel more good times are on the way.
Eddie Howe put all of the big boys on notice after finally getting the monkey off Toon’s back.
GettyEddie Howe has led a remarkable turnaround and ended the club’s long wait for silverware[/caption]
GettyNewcastle can now establish themselves as part of the elite[/caption]
The 56-year wait for silverware is over, his place amongst the legends is secured, but something even more special could be on the cards.
This summer may in fact turn out to be the sliding doors moment that sees him go on to be THE all-time great.
The turnaround under Howe since his arrival at the start of the Geordie Arabia revolution has been nothing short of remarkable.
Despite being the richest club in the world, the Profit and Sustainability Rules have prevented a Saudi surge straight to the top.
Now, finally for the Toon Army and Howe, it all seems to be clicking into gear.
Newcastle did blow the big bucks early on stars such as Kieran Trippier, captain Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and man of the moment Dan Burn.
Naturally, signing that sort of quality lifted them from the foot of the table to safety – the first part of the Middle Eastern masterplan.
Champions League qualification came the following season – probably a year or two ahead of schedule – as well as a League Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
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Then, after a thrilling start, it felt like it had all gone a bit flat last season following their group stage exit in the Champions League coupled with star signing Sandro Tonali’s betting ban.
Newcastle missed out on European qualification and due to PSR constraints Howe went through three lean transfer windows.
Not only did he fail to add any significant new boys to his ranks, his squad was actually weakened as Yankuba Minteh, Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron were all flogged to help balance the books.
That only makes Sunday’s achievement at Wembley all the more impressive and it could be all systems go after finally getting rid of the long-wait for silverware.
Last month the club revealed their latest financial results and they are now in a position to spend significantly again this summer.
Howe has room in his squad and will look to add a new right winger, goalkeeper, and midfielder at least to his ranks.
And the Wembley success only further strengthens their desire to hang on to their top stars.
RexDan Burn’s towering header can be the sliding doors moment for the club’s rise[/caption]
GettyAlexander Isak is planning talks over a new deal at St James’ Park[/caption]
Isak has already indicated he is planning talks over a new contract in the summer and fellow Arsenal target Guimaraes declared his intention to land more silverware with the club.
But a huge factor in whether this upcoming window will be a defining moment in the club’s history is still to come.
It is the Champions League where everybody wants to play – and that is no different from Toon’s top players to their Saudi chiefs.
The extra cash windfall that brings only strengthens their PSR position and enables them to spend more on transfer targets, but it helps keep their big names happy too.
And after waiting a lifetime to see them lift a trophy and climb the summit of the mountain, it is key they don’t now come crashing down the other side with so much still to play for this term.
Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table, two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and with a game in hand on them and Manchester City in fifth.
One cup final is done and dusted but the Magpies still have nine remaining in the chase for Champions League qualification.
And amid the apparent turmoil at Manchester United and the uncertainty at Tottenham, if Howe can get his men over the line and into the top four, the opportunity is there to cement their status among the top dogs for years to come.
Now is not the time to sit back and reflect on their achievements, it’s the time to strike.
With confirmation of their stunning new stadium due to come in the upcoming weeks, the club’s top brass need to make sure Howe has a team just as spectacular as their state-of-the-art home will be.
What a time to be in Toon town.
Carabao Cup final ratings
NEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.
Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.
The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.
But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.
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