Newcastle celebrated a Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Southampton (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)
Newcastle United’s resurgence upped the ante on Tuesday night as they beat Southampton to book a first Cup final appearance since 1999.
Eddie Howe’s men, who currently sit third in the Premier League table, will head to Wembley later this month with the Carabao Cup at stake, having made great strides since Amanda’s consortium Staveley completed his takeover at St James’ Park in October 2021.
Here, we take a look at what has changed over the past 15 months.
Contents
Where did it all begin?
The club was in deep trouble when Staveley and his wealthy Saudi backers picked up the keys after more than 14 years of apparently existing just for the sake of it during much of the ill-fated reign of previous owner Mike Ashley. Three points from the first seven games of the 2021-22 season had left then-head coach Steve Bruce on loan and when he left after four more games and just two more points, the club were entrenched in another battle of descent
What progress has been made?
The transformation has been nothing short of spectacular. On the night he took over, Staveley made no secret of his desire to preside over a club that would finally challenge for trophies and Champions League football. However, she couldn’t wait for the prospect of one of the two to arrive so soon. Last season’s relegation was comfortably avoided, but a torrid start to the campaign has prompted fans to recalibrate their expectations.
Who were the stars?
Newcomers Nick Pope, Kieran Tripper, Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes in particular have more than justified the money invested in their services, but they have been supported by significant development in some of the men Howe inherited with Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff. and Miguel Almiron playing key roles. In that regard, Howe’s appointment has been as important, if not more so, than any other element of a recruitment campaign that has also brought sporting director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Darren Eales to Tyneside.
The story continues
Is it all about money?
Newcastle splashed around £210m in the first two transfer windows under their new owners and committed a further £48m to Everton frontman Anthony Gordon and West Ham full-back Harrison Ashby last month. The club’s spending power is undeniable despite its repeated warnings about the restrictions imposed by financial regulations, and accusations of sports laundering are uncomfortable for some fans. However, relatively modest spending on Pope, Trippier and Dan Burn has proved shrewd and the combination of newcomers with the existing squad has been very impressive.
What does the future hold?
The burning question. The Magpies have already been ruined this season with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp among those being coached by a potential top-six gatecrasher. Howe rightly points out that his side have yet to achieve anything, although that could change at Wembley on February 26. It remains to be seen if they can keep up the pace in the Premier League this season, but even if they don’t, that remains the focus. of its long-term strategy.
Source: Key changes at Newcastle United as resurgence gathers pace 15 months after takeover
