Those inside Newcastle United loved what they were able to do in the transfer market this summer and are frustrated that the benefits of it have not yet played out on the pitch this season.
After a summer outlay of around £250million, Newcastle United sit 13th in the Premier League table following Sunday’s dismal defeat away at West Ham.
While much of Newcastle’s summer spending was offset by the British record sale of Alexander Isak, there’s little doubt that owners PIF backed manager Eddie Howe.
Howe, along with PIF, are very proud of the work the club managed to do during the summer transfer window. It wasn’t easy for the club to navigate without a sporting director or a CEO in place but they emerged from it with a much stronger squad.
The club are yet to see the benefits of that. Though the Champions League has been fruitful for Newcastle this season, their Premier League campaign is yet to get going.
Eddie Howe looks on during West Ham United v Newcastle United
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Newcastle United owners convinced they can reach the top six this season
Newcastle were dreadful against West Ham and the defeat stretched their wait for an away victory in the Premier League into a seventh month.
Howe’s side have flattered to deceive for much of the Premier League campaign. It’s hardly a crisis of course, but the reaction to their loss at the London Stadium has been rather scathing from fans and pundits alike.
In order to gauge the mood behind the scenes, Geordie Boot Boys spoke to insider Graeme Bailey.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Bailey revealed that PIF, Howe and the Newcastle United squad alike firmly believe they can finish in at least the top six this season. They are confident in their ability and level of resource, but frustrated that it hasn’t been shown on a regular basis yet.
“PIF firmly believe that Eddie Howe is only man for them and Newcastle,” said Bailey.
“Nobody is going to work harder than Eddie Howe and now Ross Wilson is in, it actually gives Eddie the chance to concentrate on the squad.
“There is a sense of frustration at the club, but that is from Eddie as much as anyone.
“Losing Alexander Isak as they did was a blow and Yoane Wissa still hasn’t played – that is the frustration, they honestly believe they improved this squad, they love what they did.
“Newcastle, that being PIF, Eddie and the squad firmly believe they should be finishing top-six at the very least, indeed whilst not title challengers – they see themselves as next best, but they know they need to show it.”
Newcastle United squad sent brutal warning by Eddie Howe, now they must listen
Howe was furious with his Newcastle squad after losing to West Ham and claimed that he felt as if he could change the whole team at half-time for the first time since he was appointed at the club.
The Newcastle United manager was let down on Sunday. Howe is clearly not to be absolved of criticism but the lack of urgency from his players was alarming to see.
The players have to listen. Most of them have given so much to the club but they cannot rest on their laurels.
Consistency in performance is the next step of this Newcastle team. If they cannot find that, the top six looks a long way off.