For Newcastle United’s final game of the season to mean very little just sums up the brilliance of the task Eddie Howe masterminded since replacing Steve Bruce. Only five Premier League teams picked up more points than the Magpies since his arrival back in November.
Even though the job was already more than done, the focus never waned within the squad and the staff on Tyneside and two big wins brought the curtain down on a memorable season. While a Newcastle victory wasn’t the big talking point at Turf Moor on the day Burnley were relegated, Alan Shearer was keen to make sure it didn’t go totally unnoticed.
After Gary Lineker joked on Match of the Day that they would skate over the news of final-day success for Howe’s side, the United legend wasn’t having any of it. He quickly responded: “No! We have to mention Newcastle.
Read more: Eddie Howe's 'emotional' words to Newcastle players away from cameras as transfer plans step up
“Liverpool, Man City and Spurs are the only teams that have got more points than them since the turn of the year. Eddie Howe’s done a magnificent job, we have to get that in.”
Ian Wright was also keen to reiterate the sentiment from Shearer about Howe who richly deserves all the praise he has worked so hard to earn in the last six months. Exciting times await for the Toon Army and they will be hoping that, in 12 months’ time, they go into the final day with something to play for - at the right end of the table.
While reality is key to what Howe and his staff are trying to build at St James’ Park, no one can blame for fans for dreaming, especially on the back of what they have seen in the second half of this season.
