· 25 May 2025, 14:30
**Newcastle United are about to take on Everton at St James' Park, knowing that a win will secure them a place in next season's Champions League.**
However, they also know that dropping points leaves them vulnerable, as results elsewhere could leave them outside of the top five.
The last day of the season has provided plenty of drama over the years as nervous fans in the stands have kept an eye on results elsewhere to determine whether they're about to celebrate or cry.
We'll never forget the day Manchester City won the title with a goal so late it came after Manchester United were already convinced they'd won the league. High drama.
Save the emotion for full time - there's work to do!
Eddie Howe doesn't want his players thinking about other results
----------------------------------------------------------------
While today's results don't have as big of an impact, if Newcastle aren't leading comfortably late in the game, then fans will be anxiously checking their phones for updates from Man United v Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest v Chelsea, as both results could affect the Magpies' final position.
As natural as it is for fans to be on their phones worrying about results, Eddie Howe has told [The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-staff-ban-overuse-31715150) that his players will be banned from looking at scores elsewhere, and indeed staff have been told to not relay messages with Howe saying it is 'wasted energy'.
> "I hope that there will be no communication from the bench. Because that is wasted energy and emotion unless it directly affects what we are doing on the pitch.
>
> "But I think coaches, having an idea, if needed, we will look at that. But for the players, it is about winning the game, and they don't need to focus on anything else."
The atmosphere in St James' Park will drop enough hints for the players
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
With a bit of luck, it won't matter what the other results are as Eddie Howe's boys will be comfortably taking care of business, but should the worst happen, we suspect the players will be able to pick up on the tension in St James' Park.
They may not know exactly what's going on, but they'll be able to feel that something is off.
So again, for the millionth time, let's just get out there and make sure nothing else matters. Take care of our own business.