Newcastle back in Champions League, but Howe says top-four was not the plan

NEWCASTLE : Qualifying Newcastle United for the Champions League was not even in Eddie Howe's thoughts at the start of the season but on Monday the club's remarkable transformation saw them secure their place back amongst Europe's elite.

A 0-0 draw at home to Leicester City meant Newcastle will finish in the Premier League's top four and will be mixing it with the continent's big guns for the first time in two decades.

After celebrating on the St James' Park pitch with his players, Howe was asked what the targets had been back in August.

"Certainly wasn't (top four)," the former Bournemouth manager told Sky Sports. "You always hope and always believe and you have to dream. But we didn't feel we were ready for that.

"After last season's battle against relegation, it really was whether we could consolidate and become a better team and not flirt with relegation like last season.

"I can't praise (the players) enough for that mentality, their attitude what they've given me and the club."

When Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund bought an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle in October 2021, ending Mike Ashley's barren 14-year ownership of the North East club, the initial task was to keep them in the top flight.

Newcastle were 19th in the table and without a win and Steve Bruce was shortly sacked and replaced by Howe.

Even then it took Newcastle until the 15th game of the season to get a league win, but after that, with the help of some astute signings such as England right back Kieran Trippier, Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and defender Dan Burn, the fog that had shrouded the Tyneside club finally began to lift.

Newcastle eventually finished 11th and the momentum carried into this season with the club splashing some of the Saudi cash