Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has watched Newcastle United’s transformation under Eddie Howe from afar.
The PIF takeover at Newcastle United in October 2021 was always going to change the narrative around the club.
There was, however, no guarantee that it would lead to such a rapid-fire improvement on the pitch. Indeed, while the money PIF have invested has clearly played a major part in the club’s development, it would be too simple to say that alone has caused the dramatic uptick.
The PIF era at Newcastle has been a successful one and it’s far from over. All the money in the world, however, was never going to instantly make that possible.
Putting the club’s recent success purely down to money would be to overlook the excellent work Howe has done at St James’ Park and, unsurprisingly, Frank has been impressed.
Eddie Howe and Thomas Frank embrace.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Thomas Frank says Eddie Howe has transformed Newcastle United
The Spurs boss was speaking ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with the Magpies on Wednesday night.
Frank, who made his name while turning Brentford from a Championship team into a Premier League mainstay, has been full of praise for the Newcastle United manager.
Asked about Howe’s work on Tyneside, Frank said: “Remarkable job in Bournemouth. I followed his team, followed what they did. Fantastic.
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“And then he got the big job or the bigger job in Newcastle and the way he turned that around to qualify for the Champions League twice I think, and of course when the cup came out, he transformed the club.
“I think that’s quite impressive. He’s a clever tactician, he clearly knows what he wants, very consistent and I think he’s done very well.”
Eddie Howe has changed Newcastle United forever
PIF are massive fans of Howe’s work, even if the Newcastle United owners initially tried to appoint Unai Emery when replacing Steve Bruce following the takeover.
The former Bournemouth manager may well have been second choice but has never let that bother him.
Howe is one of Newcastle’s greatest managers and, in many people’s eyes, perhaps the best of the lot.
Newcastle United statistics Eddie Howe
Games 186
Wins 97
Draws 36
Losses 53
Trophies 1
The stability he’s brought to a club that so often in previous years became a soap opera has been fantastic. They have ended their trophy drought and are now aiming for more success. The thirst for silverware has not been quenched.
Certainly a Newcastle United legend, Howe’s work goes beyond even the money spent. He’s united the club, improved players he inherited and has delivered some of the greatest nights in Newcastle history.