Eddie Howe has warned Newcastle are “just starting” in their quest to become a Premier League giant again.
The Geordies are flying high in fourth place and face Aston Villa on Saturday, whose new boss Unai Emery turned down the Tyneside mission a year ago, before Howe was appointed.
Newcastle have Allan Saint-Maximin challenging for a comeback after injury to bolster their options, as they look to extend a seven-game unbeaten run. Howe says anyone who claims the revival is just about the money - and the £210m they have spent in 2022 - have got it wrong.
Howe, who celebrates a year in charge in November, said: "Time flies. It's incredible to think as the months have ticked by that it's nearly led to a year for me here. We have enjoyed it, but it's gone so quickly.
"I do feel there's an element of just starting with the team and we have got so much more to achieve and do but, probably, if I'm sat here in another year's time, I'll be saying exactly the same thing.”
Six of Newcastle’s starters in the win over Spurs were at the club when Steve Bruce was in charge and Howe said: "My disappointment when it's just 'purely about money' will be it takes away the credit from the players.
“I would want a lot more focus to be on my players and how well they have done. They have done brilliantly for us and they weren't bought by me recently.
"The contribution that they have given should not go unnoticed and with the players that you do bring in, money doesn't buy success or guarantee success. It helps but it does not guarantee anything.
Where will Newcastle finish this season? Have your say here
"You can recruit very badly and, these days, that will cost you a huge sum of money. It's about a mixture of things but I always want my players to be recognised when they do well."
Asked about his rival for the Toon job Emery being back at Villa, Howe was generous saying: “There are all sorts of things that happen and are coincidences. He has got an unbelievable record in management at many clubs. It is a brilliant appointment for Villa. For me, I am delighted to be leading this team and excited for the challenges ahead.”
Newcastle have been missing Saint-Maximin and record buy Alexander Isak, who has had injections in his injured thigh. But the French winger is in contention with Howe saying: “His recent setback was a huge blow to him but it reset him mentally to look after himself and get the recovery right.
“There is a steely determination in him to get fit, three sessions a day treatment including one at home. There’s a dedication to his profession to get him back for an intense period of games. I can’t speak highly enough of the way he has attacked his rehab.”
With Callum Wilson back in the goals after scoring at Spurs, Howe says England boss Gareth Southgate knows all his qualities. “He has always got huge motivation, whether that be England or Newcastle, he is driven. He knows where he wants to go in his career and has high expectations.
“He is in great shape off the back of three good games. His output is high. Gareth knows his character as much as I do. His form and condition is good. He has been bouncing in training and is in a very good place.”
