One of the most frustrating criticisms of Newcastle United is the idea that money alone is the reason for their transformation under Eddie Howe.
Clearly, the funds PIF have ploughed into the club have helped. There is simply no getting away from that but investment alone does not tell the whole story.
Indeed, Newcastle still have to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, forcing the onus onto Eddie Howe’s coaching.
While the Magpies boss has certainly been backed by the owners, not being able to overhaul the squad in one fell swoop meant Howe has had to coax a huge improvement from the players he inherited from Steve Bruce.
Howe has managed that and then some. Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Joe Willock are just some of the players who best highlight the work he has done, with the former Bournemouth coach transforming their careers at St James’ Park.
Howe hits back at spending claims
Which is why Howe was seemingly at pains to point out that Newcastle aren’t simply are money club.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Howe said (via the Liverpool Echo): “I would make the point that there are a lot of clubs with bigger budgets than us.
“I’ve said all along, our success is not based on money at all. I’m seeing the work and the spirit and the togetherness of the group, what every player is giving to the cause.
“When a team is successful it is not down to one thing, it’s a collective and a lot of different aspects go into that. It’s the same if a team isn’t performing well, we will keep doing what we are doing.”
Money also brings pressure
While it’s easy to say that spending big helps on the pitch, huge investment brings with it big pressure.
The more money spent, the more a manager is judged. Though clearly a benefit, it is not always a complete blessing, as Steven Gerrard found out at Aston Villa earlier this season.
Context is important.
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