To think these players had the benefit of a rare period of time with Howe on the training pitches during the three-week break between games. This is where the Newcastle manager and his staff have previously come into their own, improving individuals who were signed and inherited with their intense, demanding drills and eye for detail. "It's hard to get into a rhythm of things when you haven't played for such a long time," he said. However, on this evidence, there is little to suggest Newcastle are about to finally go on a run and qualify for Europe. "I always have to look at myself first," Howe said.

Source: BBC April 12, 2026 19:50 UTC