In Eddie Howe we trust | OneFootball

From my very first game in 1963 (as a very young lad) I have followed the ups and downs of Newcastle United.

The early 1990s onwards, up until about 2006, were memorable for many reasons. Then we had a major downturn due to the Mike Ashley debacle.

For reasons I will never understand, a very good businessman had no interest in making money for Newcastle United to improve as a team, but only to line his own pockets.

This he did in front of everyone, without even trying to sweeten things up by not making it so obvious.

When we finally got rid, the whole area gave a big sigh of relief and looked to the future. And what a future it is turning out to be.

Step forward the PIF and Eddie Howe and his backroom team. He has brought belief, positivity and pride back to the club and the area. Looking certain to be relegated in his first season, we stayed up, nearly making the top 10 in the league.

Then we got into Europe in the Champions league and made a first Wembley appearance for 20 years. Now we are on the cusp of another European adventure and halfway to a second Wembley appearance in three years. The squad are playing some really good attacking football and for the most part, concede very few.

Over the last couple of games (Wolves and Bournemouth) the performance has not been at its best and we maybe got away with one against Wolves due to their finishing abilities (or not as the case may be), but against Bournemouth, we were totally outplayed from the first minute and got nothing because we deserved nothing. Fair play to Bournemouth.

Eddie Howe brought in the squad players for the Bromley cup tie but they did not cover themselves in glory. Leading to Eddie maybe feeling that the squad players who weren’t injured, couldn’t do the required job in the Premier League, so had to rely on his same starting eleven of tried and tested players. Maybe the squad does need to be strengthened more than we thought.

I have no doubt that the result against Bournemouth (who are also on a good run) was just a blip and that the boss will have things sorted for when we travel to Southampton next weekend.

The fact that the players can have a much needed rest after a hectic few days will also be a bonus, as well as doing some work on the training pitch.

If we can get back on track and play to our normal standard, then a top four finish is within reach and a second cup final will be coming our way in February. In Eddie Howe we trust.