The upturn in fortunes at St James’ Park is something that Eddie Howe admits he could never have predicted.
Even Newcastle manager Eddie Howe can’t believe how far his side has come along over the past 12 months.
After being involved in a relegation battle last season, Newcastle not only ensured their safety in convincing fashion this term, but they also made it to the top four to end a 20-year wait for Champions League football.
A 0-0 home draw against Leicester City on Monday guaranteed a top-four spot for the third-placed Magpies.
“We’ve shot ahead of schedule and that brings big challenges for the future,” Howe said at St. James’ Park after the match.
“But you have to take these opportunities and it feels amazing. It’s an amazing achievement to go from where we’ve come from to here. It’s emotional; I’m very proud of everyone connected with the club.
“This wasn’t in our sights at the start of the season. We’d just escaped relegation and we were hopeful of growing and competing for Europe in a couple of seasons time so I can’t compliment the players enough. It would have been very easy to fade away but we didn’t.”
Newcastle will next visit Chelsea this Sunday for their final game of the 2022/23 campaign.
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