It has not been an easy season for Newcastle United.
While Eddie Howe’s side have produced big results such as beating high-flying Aston Villa (twice), both Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, consistency has been an issue.
Whether or not the injury crisis at Newcastle and the subsequent fatigue that causes is solely to blame is up for debate of course but it cannot be ignored.
Indeed, there have been some low moments this season too. Particularly away at Bournemouth back in November, the game in which Kieran Trippier confronted an angry fan following a defeat.
Now, some more insight has emerged.
Amanda Staveley: Why Newcastle director was ‘in tears’ in dressing room
Amanda Staveley was said to have visited the dressing room in order to tell the team how proud she was of their efforts during a difficult run.
She’s also thought to have told the squad how she wished she could have helped.
The Athletic have recently added some more insight. They now claim Staveley was actually in tears and vowed signings would come in January if it was possible, although that obviously proved not to be the case.
They quote one insider as saying about that period in which the loss on the south coast happened: “We’d fallen off a cliff.”
Newcastle transfer news: Big summer expected
With PIF expected to try and find ways to bring more money into the club, it seems a big summer at the club can realistically be expected.
While January was frustrating under FFP limitations, reports from iNews last month told supporters to “brace” themselves for a big rebuild involving some major incomings, even if Bruno Guimaraes is to be sold.
Rome was not built in a day. It has been a struggle at times this season but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future.
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