Eddie Howe already knows what Newcastle are ‘looking at’ ahead of fourth year as manager

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It has now been three years of Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.

The Newcastle United manager has been in his post since November 8 2021 and things have (broadly) gone very well indeed.

Still, there can be little sentiment at St James’ Park. While few would doubt that Howe has done an excellent job for Newcastle, it will count for very little if this season doesn’t offer a huge improvement.

Indeed, owners PIF are understood to have told Howe that the target this season is to finish in the Premier League’s top six.

The Newcastle owners are also believed to view this season as a fantastic chance to go on another deep cup run too, so the pressure is certainly on.

Such is the nature of management at the top level of the game, the future is never guaranteed.

Still, three years on, Howe already knows what he’s looking for ahead of a potential fourth anniversary on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe already knows what he’s looking for ahead of his fourth year at Newcastle

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Howe revealed that finding consistency is the major target.

“We are looking at improvements this year,” he said (via BBC Sport’s LIVE blog).

“Consistency is a big, big word for us. Not the most interesting response, I know, but these are the things that we judge ourselves by.

“I think, if we can find that ability to win games and put a sequence of results together, the Premier League is so tight, it can really change the feeling.”

Newcastle United are their own worst enemies at time

Forest, of course, are flying this season and no one will be overlooking them. Particularly away from home.

Still, Newcastle have had some huge results under Howe, beating both Manchester clubs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain during his tenure.

However, the fact they dropped so many points against so-called ‘lesser’ sides last season all while generally competing with the big boys is what proved so frustrating.

If Howe can reach the target of ensuring a more reliable base level of performance, things are looking very promising indeed.

That, however, is easier said than done.