Eddie Howe has spoken of his delight after Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.
Howe admitted that he had not even considered the top four as a pre-season target and was preparing for consolidation in the top-flight. But he was full of praise for Newcastle as they achieved an incredible feat.
When asked what his aims were last summer, Howe told Sky Sports: "It certainly wasn’t top-four. You always have to hope and dream but we didn’t feel we were ready for that after battling relegation.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe well aware of what Newcastle's lofty finish means ahead of next term
"It was about consolidating and becoming a better team. And not have that flirtation with relegation, the lads have been unbelievable, their mentality, their attitude."
Inevitably, talk instantly swings to summer transfers and preparing for the Champions League. Howe said: "There is a small pool of players we can recruit. We have to recruit wisely, which we have done. This will be our toughest transfer window."
Howe said that the achievement was the highlight of his career so far. He said: "It’s probably more recognisable around the country due to the scale but my first challenge in Bournemouth to keep them up was incredibly huge to me and the club.
"This is on a different scale media-wise and I’m just so grateful to be managing here."
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