Eddie Howe makes public his ambitions with Newcastle United ahead of 3 year anniversary

2 weeks ago 13

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In six days time it will be the three year anniversary of Eddie Howe arriving at Newcastle United.

On 8 November 2021, the new man starting the massive job of sorting out the devastation left behind by Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce.

The rest is, as they say, history.

Or rather the near first three years of his history in charge of Newcastle United.

Today’s home clash with Arsenal will complete those first three years of fixtures.

Now Eddie Howe has been talking about his hopes and ambitions to follow on from this.

Eddie Howe speaking to TNT Sports:

“I think it’s always difficult to judge these things, but it [qualifying for the Champions League in his first full season] was way ahead of schedule.

“I think if you asked at the start of the season, no one would have really given us a chance to finish in the top four.

“But I think the signings we made in the summer [of 2022] were pivotal. Confidence grew, and we were able to do it and deservedly so.

“We look back on it [the 4-1 hammering of PSG] as a historical game – how we played, what we delivered, what we were capable of.

“I think the frustration is that we want to get back there.

“Once you’ve tasted it, you want more of it. That’s great motivation for all of us.

“From time to time, I will go back to the game [1-1 away at PSG] because it was very tough.

“We were camped in our own half; we defended very well – heroically – and then it feels unjust [the shocking late penalty decision]. I thought we deserved to get a result.

“That’s the level we want to be at.

“We loved the experience of the Champions League, we loved the games, the travelling, the extra games.

“There was no part of us that didn’t want that. For everyone involved in those games, it made us more determined.”

Eddie Howe asked if European competition was the “minimum” remit for a club like Newcastle:

“Yeah, I think so.

“I think the way that we missed out on Europe [last season] was especially frustrating.

“It wasn’t necessarily in our hands how we missed out.

““When I came here, I knew the responsibility of Newcastle United manager.

“It’s never been lost on me for a minute how important this role is for the city and everyone connected with the club.

“I really enjoy it and wouldn’t change it for anything.

“I’m desperate for success.”

“We loved the experience of the Champions League… It’s made us more determined than ever to try and get back.” 👊