Dietmar Hamman has backed his former club Newcastle United to secure Champions League football this season. Competing in and around the top four has whet Toon supporters’ appetite for European football - an occasion they have not witnessed since 2013.
In fact, Newcastle fans have been starved of Champions League action altogether for two decades. Sir Bobby Robson was the last man to qualify for UEFA’s elite competition, losing to Partizan Belgrade almost 20 years ago in the third qualifying round.
However, the Magpies are now in pole position to regain their seat among Europe’s elite. Qualifying for the Champions League would hypercharge the Saudi-backed takeover, allowing United chiefs more wriggle room with Financial Fair Play regulations.
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Back-to-back league victories has Eddie Howe’s side back on track and, should they beat Manchester United a week on Sunday, Newcastle will reclaim third spot. Ex-midfielder Hamman has picked the Magpies to squeeze into the top four.
“I'll go for Newcastle (who will finish fourth),” he told Best Gambling Sites. “But I wouldn't rule Chelsea from the race entirely yet if they can find form despite being seven points back. But I feel Newcastle will have enough.”
Hamman, who spent one season on Tyneside in the late 90s, also hailed the Toon boss for the job he is doing at St James’ Park. The German does not believe Howe receives just recognition for his achievements at Newcastle.
“Probably not (whether Howe gets the credit he deserves) because the job is a lot harder when you've got money to spend compared to when you have no money to spend,” Hamman added. “When players and agents know there's money available, you can attract the wrong players.
“But I think they've been very good with their recruitment. I think they've been sure to not waste any money. I think they've been very specific in the players they brought in. So I'd probably say that he's not getting enough praise. He’s been tremendous because a lot of people doubted if he could do it.”
