Harvey Barnes has discussed Eddie Howe's future, Newcastle's season and missing out on a World Cup place
Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United celebrates with Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman
Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United celebrates with Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman
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Harvey Barnes insists Eddie Howe retains the backing of the Newcastle United dressing room, despite an 'up and down' season this term.
Newcastle started the season with ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League but ended up finishing in 12th place as the likes of Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton qualified for European football at their expense.
Despite an amazing three seasons preceding this campaign, where Newcastle twice qualified for the Champions League, twice reached a cup final and ended their 56-year trophy drought banking Howe plenty of credit, that has slowly dwindled after a disappointing league campaign.
But while their league form was not good enough, Newcastle did make a third Carabao Cup semi-final in four years and also matched their best ever run to the last 16 of the Champions League. And Barnes admits it has given them a lot to learn from.
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"It was an up and down season," Barnes told Sky Sports News at the James Maddison Invitational Golf Day.
"Obviously some amazing memories and some amazing times but also some difficult ones. It is one to certainly look back on and learn a lot from and take a lot from as well."
Howe has had to deal with some scrutiny over his position but it emerged after the annual club summit at Matfen Hall earlier this month that he retains the backing of the club's decision makers heading into the new season.
And that backing extends into the Newcastle first team dressing room, according to Barnes.
"Yeah, of course," Barnes replied when asked if he would be happy if Howe remains Newcastle boss next season.
"You look at the impact he has had on the club and the history we have made together, it has been amazing. He is an amazing manager and I don't think anything else needs to be said on it, to be honest."
Barnes enjoyed a solid season on a personal level, banging in 16 goals and registering six assists in all competitions. That form saw him earn his second England cap in March but he did not do enough to convince Thomas Tuchel to name him in his 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.
The 28-year-old turned down the chance to represent Scotland at the World Cup to chase his Three Lions dream and reflecting on his disappointment, Barnes added: "You are always hopeful and you are hopeful your club form can get you in there,.
"But you look at the squad who's going, the bunch of players that have gone and have also missed out as well so it was never going to be easy to get in, especially when I hadn't been in for so long.
"But it is one where I just keep working and hopefully I can get back in next season. Every player wants to play on the international stage so I have to just keep working and keep improving and hopefully force my way in."