Stuart Pearce backing Eddie Howe to emulate Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United

Former Newcastle favourite Stuart Pearce believes Eddie Howe can be Kevin Keegan’s natural successor and bring the ‘90s feelgood factor back to Tyneside. Pearce spent two seasons at St James’ Park in the post-Keegan era under Kenny Dalglish but knows from life as an opposition player during the Entertainers era how the stadium can become a fortress when United are going well.

And the 60-year-old recognises a similar feeling developing under Howe, who has led the Magpies to into the top half after a remarkable transformation featuring a run of six consecutive home wins.

“Eddie has done a brilliant job,” Pearce said. “His recruitment was brilliant in January and the fans are back on side. You only have to go to St James’ Park and hear the atmosphere now compared to what it was like beforehand, it’s fantastic to see.

“I remember the Kevin Keegan days and Newcastle could rise to become a powerhouse again. They are a fantastic club with great support and a credit to the Premier League.”

Pearce is currently part of West Ham’s coaching staff – along with former Toon skipper Kevin Nolan – and has helped the London side cement themselves among the European challengers in the past few seasons. He expects Newcastle to join them in that bracket before long but warned fans not to expect instant success.

“It's all well having the finance but when you’re trying to recruit, it can cause its own problems as well,” he said. “You’ll have to pay top dollar and a lot of players want to come and play for Champions League teams, so you have to break that barrier down a little bit.

“It’s not as straightforward as signing the best players, who want to play in Europe, but you look at the January recruitment – sensible signings in positions they