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Lee Ryder

'Hard work not money', The narrative behind the narrative pundits keep missing on Newcastle United

Newcastle United are sitting top of the Premier League form table, fourth in the league, have had Eddie Howe nominated for manager of the month as well as three stars for player of the month.

Just for good measure they are eight matches unbeaten in the division and have had star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid (again) in the same week! It all feels too good to be true but Newcastle are where they are on merit.

Howe's manager of the month award comes off the back of good results but plenty of credit should go to the ex-Bournemouth boss for getting some of the best form from players he inherited. Indeed, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Miguel Almiron are in the form of their Newcastle careers at the moment.

READ NEXT - The must NOT miss long read on Eddie Howe's first year in charge as players, agents and insiders look back

Howe and his backroom team have managed it through hard work since they walked through the door. True, £200million has been invested into the team, but only after some barren windows and if anything Newcastle have been playing catch up to the rest of their top-flight rivals.

Certain pundits and observers are all too eager to go flying in on the subject of money. But that would be harsh on Howe and his staff.

The money argument won't go away but it doesn't always buy success does it? Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Man United, Wolves, Spurs and Chelsea all spent more than the Magpies in the summer too.

Howe stated last week that he doesn't rest on his laurels after wins. And said he is always looking for "an angle" to improve on, something that is serving him well so far as Toon boss.

Perhaps the best illustration of that work came last week in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa. Kieran Trippier rolled a corner shot to Miguel Almiron who then back-heeled the ball back into his path before he floated in a fine cross for Callum Wilson to head home.

It was a moment when things all came together for United but Howe dedicated the goal to his number 2 Jason Tindall before saying: "Yes, it is and it's not just Jason, it's Simon Weatherstone, it's Graeme Jones, it's Stephen Purchess. "They deserve a lot of credit for our innovative set-plays.

"It's something we've always prided ourselves on. "A lot of work goes into it. It's not just the coaches, it's the analysts as well, so it's a collective effort and I'm delighted when they work. Not everyone is going to work, but that element of surprise is important in our routines."

Newcastle have spent the week tirelessly working away through sun, wind and rain at Benton. They know they must stay ahead of teams that will be spending their week trying to work out what United will bring to the table.

No longer are fans dreading match days, they are looking forward to them. And this could get even more exciting yet for Toon fans.

READ NEXT

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