'Eddie inherited a mess', Nobby Solano exclusive as Toon legend lauds job of Newcastle United boss

Nobby Solano has applauded the performance of Eddie Howe with the Newcastle United legend believing he has changed the culture at St James' Park in just a few months. Solano says that Howe "inherited a mess" after the Mike Ashley era with players simply walking from the treatment room and back into the starting line-up for years under the Sports Direct magnate's tenure.

But in just four months, Howe has instilled a different mentality at Benton with players knowing they have to fight for a place. Indeed, Howe made this clear when omitting Northern Ireland international Jamal Lewis, experienced midfielder Isaac Hayden and one-time captain Ciaran Clark from his squad for the second half of the campaign.

Howe has also hauled Newcastle away from the danger zone and within five points of the top 10, with Solano feeling fans can at least be optimistic about qualifying for Europe again in the long-term.

Solano told Chronicle Live: "I think we can talk about top 10 challenges again looking forward, whether that is this season or next season we will have to wait to see. This season the most important thing is to be safe, then next season we are looking at that push.

"The team is certainly playing with a lot more confidence so it's up to them now what they want to achieve in the last nine matches, whether they want to finish strong or not. They picked up important results during the nine-game spell at crucial times. Now it's about whether they push or not.

"In fairness, I don't think we could ask much more from Eddie Howe. Eddie came in and inherited a bit of a mess left behind by Mike Ashley. Any new manager will always take time to set up a new team. Eddie's done a good job, they aren't safe yet but they have a big chance