David Moyes has hailed the job Eddie Howe is doing on Tyneside ahead of the Magpies’ trip to West Ham this weekend.
Howe took charge when Newcastle were in 19th position, five points from safety, winless, and hurtling towards the Championship despite the club's £300million takeover.
However, the former Bournemouth boss has since revitalised the squad - with Newcastle now sitting four points above the relegation zone and victorious in each of their last three games..
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He had to endure a difficult start at St James’ Park - winning just one of his first 10 games - but has since turned the tide as supporters begin to look up the table rather than over their shoulder.
West Ham manager Moyes applauded the job Howe has done so far and expects a tough challenge on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s trip to the London Stadium, Moyes said: "I think first and foremost it's been a really difficult job to stabilise a club the size of Newcastle, with all the changes going on.
“Eddie's a really good steady hand and has shown he can build a football club.
"He's got a really good reputation among the manager's circle. He's at a really big club in Newcastle, with big expectations. Results recently have been good. They've brought in some new signings who have helped them as well.
"Newcastle at any time are a really tough task and we'll need to be at our best to get a result."
Kieran Trippier has been pivotal in Newcastle’s recent resurgence, scoring two spectacular free-kick goals against West Ham and Everton.
His leadership qualities have been widely heralded, with the Three Lions star wearing the armband last weekend in Jamaal Lascelles’ absence.
A broken metatarsal suffered in the 1-0 win against Aston Villa saw him ruled out for six to eight weeks - a huge blow to the Magpies’ survival hopes.
Moyes acknowledged Trippier’s impact on Newcastle while admitting that he hopes his injury has a negative effect on Howe’s team.
"He's a really good full-back and his set-pieces and deliveries are really good. He's helped to give Newcastle a bit of momentum and they'll be hoping they can keep that going.
"I hope it does affect their performances, to be honest!
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“We've had injuries to Angelo Ogbonna, which has made a big difference this season.
“You have to try and find ways to get through it. When you bring in a new player you want them to be fit and play, but it's part and parcel of it."
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