The big issue Eddie Howe has eliminated at Newcastle - why his first summer job is most important

For too long walking back into Newcastle United's first-team was simple, and any player that maintained even a moderate level of fitness had an even easier task of staying there.

However, in less than six months, Eddie Howe has changed the culture behind the scenes and now has a squad that are not only desperate to play each week, they are queuing up to sign new contracts at the club. Where once April and May time was the opportunity for the season's best performers to start pushing agents for a summer move, the aim for the majority is to ensure they will be in that 25-man squad at St James' Park next season.

Howe beamed at the weekend: "Credit to the players again. They have incredible desire to go and win football matches at the moment and there is confidence running through the team. Really pleased.

"It is a lot of hard work, great team spirit and unity. Quality on the pitch as well. But it is a lot of factors from top to bottom of the club. Our supporters have played a big role too."

In recent times a press conference hasn't passed by without Howe being asked a question on the fate of a player that either can't get a game or didn't get in the squad in January. A month ago it was Sean Longstaff, two weeks ago it was Paul Dummett and only on Friday it was Jamal Lewis and Isaac Hayden.

Howe reflected after Norwich: "We came here off the back of a tough week and performed. It would have been very easy for us to drop our levels today from a physical perspective but full credit to the players. They were hungry for another win and I’m delighted with them."

With 32 senior players still on the books and new signings expected to arrive this summer, it is impossible for everybody to stay on board at United. It's a situation