Eddie Howe has already set his Newcastle players a target for next season – he wants a cup run.
The Magpies have just one game before this campaign comes to an end as they head to Turf Moor on Sunday. It’s certainly an important game for the opposition, with Burnley still fighting for survival.
Newcastle’s work is already complete, but they do have a chance to finish in the top half if they pick up a win and results go their way.
However, the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Monday felt more like Newcastle’s final game. The performance and emotional scenes inside St James’ Park felt like the end of what has been an exhilarating chapter.
This has been a rollercoaster season for the club, and it has ended with our Premier League status intact. Now attentions can turn to next season, but what would represent success for Howe?
Eddie Howe wants a cup run
The Toon manager has spoken to the Telegraph, and was asked what would represent a good season next year.
“I’d love to do well in the cup competitions, we will take them seriously next year,” Howe said.
“Improvement is key, but we’re competing in a league that is so difficult.”
It’s difficult to know what to expect from Newcastle next season. We might have a better idea when the transfer window closes.
But with financial fair play restrictions, it will be difficult to make a massive splash in the summer.
There’s a chance we could still finish in the top 10 this season, which would be a real overachievement.
Pushing to compete for a place in Europe could be a bridge too far next year, especially given the quality of teams in and around us. So many clubs are looking to bridge that gap and make it into the top half.
Cup run would definitely be success for Newcastle
But a solid season and a cup run would have to represent success for Newcastle. We haven’t had a good cup run for a long time.
Steve Bruce guided us to a couple of cup quarter finals, but the last time we reached a semi was 2005. We haven’t been in a cup final since 1999.
Trophies will be what define this new era at St James’ Park. The new owners want to win honours to justify their spend.
That might not happen next season, but a positive cup run would be a step in the right direction.
We can’t do much worse than this season, where Howe’s side crashed out of the FA Cup to Cambridge. Luckily, things have picked up since then…
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