Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan applauds the fans following the team's qualification for the UEFA Champions League
One of the most memorable campaigns in modern Newcastle United history culminated with a one-game shootout to determine which European competition the Magpies will be plying their trade in next term. Newcastle lost the game but thankfully, it is still Champions League football that awaits for the black and whites when next season rolls around.
Before the draw for Europe’s premier competition gets under way, there is the small matters of pre season and a summer transfer window that threatens to be a tad more exciting than trading periods gone by. Should the cards fall right, it could be the transformational summer United need to take them to the next level.
So, as the dust starts to settle on an unforgettable season, Chronicle Live assesses what needs to be done next.
Rest and recuperation
First things first, let those St James’ Park heroes let their hair down. After a gruelling campaign that involved a mid-season cup win and celebrations that had to be curtailed due to Premier League duties and the small matter of qualifying for the Champions League, the Wembley winners deserve a well-deserved break.
Howe appears relieved that there is no post-season jaunt to the other side of the world this time around. Last year’s trip to Australia, days after time was called on an injury-ridden campaign, was needed for financial reasons but wasn't ideal for those tired bodies in Howe's squad.
Decisions must now be made on the next steps required for players like Sven Botman and Alexander Isak. The former has been eased back from multiple setbacks this term and will welcome a period of rest, while the latter has looked leggy of late amid speculation surrounding potential surgery over the summer.
"It is certainly something that needs looking at as to why he's getting groin complaints," Howe said last week. "But yeah it is definitely not a surgery issue, it's what is he doing to strengthen that area, which we will look at and focus on."
Get the chequebook out
The appetite has indeed been whet after three successive transfer windows with next to no spending. Howe, usually so coy and secretive, has added to the excitement by talking of a summer full of strengthening.
Newcastle are targeting a select number of key positions, while keeping their eye out for hidden gems across the continent. It is understood right-wing, centre-back, goalkeeper and striker are areas high on the shopping list. Any exit in the middle of the park would require a replacement being sought.
Howe has worked minor miracles to end the club’s trophy drought and finish just shy of a joint club-record second place in the Premier League. With a touch of investment in the right areas, there is no telling what United could on to achieve - both at home and abroad - next time out.
Stadium decision and communication
The 'will they stay or will they go' saga surrounding St James’ Park has dragged on longer than expected as Newcastle United decision makers meticulously assess every detail of what a stadium switch may look like. This summer, it would be a timely boost to discover some additional details of their research on the matter.
Club chiefs have spoken publicly about their plans, with Chief Operational Officer - Brad Miller - talking openly with fans at an event last year. The message back then was to await further communication on the matter, expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2025.
The Carabao Cup final may have scuppered that timeline with no word, publicly, from inside the club since then. A Leazes Park move continues to be talked up, and is thought to be the preferred choice of NUFC officials, but as of yet we are yet to fully learn of the size and scope of the changes coming down the road.
With European football returning and happiness at fever pitch in these parts, this summer presents a good opportunity to kick on with the gigantic stadium decision. One way or another.