Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe insists he hasn't even started to think about the impact European football would mean for the region he now calls home - and he knows fans may find that strange!
The Toon boss gave his usual answer when asked about Newcastle nearly being over the line, insisting that his sole focus was, as ever, on the next game. “I trust your maths skills, but I think from my perspective and on behalf of all the players, we want to try to win ever game,” Howe replied.
Howe was then informed one more win would see Newcastle guaranteed some form of European football next season, with the Magpies manager subsequently asked if he had started to think about being the man to bring continental football back to St James' Park.
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“I have to be honest and say I haven’t really digested that, I haven’t really taken myself there,” Howe said. “It might sound a bit strange, but I haven’t.
“I’ve just focused on the next game and the next challenge and the next training session, and then there will be a time when we have to plan because of recruitment and all the other things that come into play. But it’s not the time now because there’s no guarantee of anything.
“We still have to win the games that we need and get the points that we need, so my head is currently where we are presently and that won’t change.”
Howe has only plied his trade in the north east for 18 months but is already discussed in the same breath as Newcastle legends Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson. Turning the Magpies into a Champions League side once again will see his stock rise even further.
As Howe likes to point out, Newcastle still have a small way to go. But just a few more wins and the north east outfit will be finally be over the line.
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