The European dream is over for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe – for this season.
They reached the end of the road on Wednesday night, crashing out of the Champions League after a 2-1 loss to AC Milan. The Magpies have not even dropped into the Europa League, as they came bottom of the group.
It was an agonizing night for Newcastle United, when it could have been one of absolute ecstasy. The chance was there for us to go through, but we blew it.
Now Newcastle are out of Europe completely, and it is going to be very difficult to get back in the Champions League next season. A potential fifth slot is now in jeopardy after the Magpies and Man United struggled in the competition, while we also have some catching up to do in the Premier League anyway.
Some outsiders are already questioning Eddie Howe after Wednesday night’s defeat. Some are wondering if this is as far as he can take us.
But that is the noise from outside, and it is just that – noise. Newcastle United supporters completely trust the manager, and it has been claimed that the owners feel the same.
Howe’s job is not under any pressure at all, and it is clear what the owners now need to do.
Newcastle owners have to back Eddie Howe in January
We have had a taste of Champions League football, and it is certainly addictive. Fans and players want more of it, but that is going to be very tough.
Right now, Newcastle are in seventh. They are seven points behind Manchester City, who are fourth.
It is going to be extremely difficult to bridge that gap, especially given the club’s injury problems – and the Sandro Tonali situation.
Howe needs support from the owners, which should come in the form of new signings when the January transfer window opens. His squad needs more depth and a sprinkling of quality, otherwise Champions League football will just be a distant memory.
Of course, signing players is going to be even tougher now we are out of the Champions League. We do not have the lure of European football, nor do we have the financial benefits that come with it.
The Toon hierarchy are going to have to box clever to give Howe the support he needs, because there is no doubt that he is the right man for the job. What he has done at St James’ Park is incredible, and this is only just the beginning.
In truth, Champions League football came too early. But it has made us hungry for more, and that is a sentiment that will run through the entire club.
With everyone pulling in the same direction, we can get back there. It is still possible for next season, but the owners have to do one thing when it comes to Howe – back him.
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