‘Mid-table and a cup run’ - Paul Merson verdict on Newcastle United aim for next season

Paul Merson believes Newcastle United supporters “should be happy” with a mid-table finish and a cup run next season. Expectations for 2022-23 remain an enigma until summer signings arrive and a better understanding is gained of where the Magpies’ squad is at.

Some supporters have echoed the former Arsenal winger’s claims, citing the need for a steady build rather than a drastic overhaul. More optimistic Toon fans predict an assault on the European places, with Newcastle finishing seven points behind West Ham - who secured the Europa Conference League spot - last season.

A cup run would excite fans on Tyneside after a 67-year wait without a domestic trophy. Doug Livingstone remains the last Newcastle manager to win the FA Cup in 1955 and Eddie Howe could etch his name into Geordie folklore forever if he can break the seven-decade-long curse.

Merson thinks cup competitions should be a priority for the United boss after previous managers shunned the competition in favour of Premier League survival.

In his Daily Star column, he wrote: “Newcastle should be happy finishing tenth next season if they can put together a good cup run as well.

“They have got to start turning up in the cup competitions because too many managers have mugged those off when they've gone there. Newcastle haven't won a trophy in so long and their fans need something to get excited about.”