Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FAST EDDIE
Howe’s worked miracles in such a short space of time... he deserves the chance to build Toon into next Manchester City
EDDIE HOWE has done the hard part – now he deserves the chance to turn Newcastle United into a superpower.
Former Toon keeper Shay Given says the magnitude of the new manager’s achievement in keeping Newcastle in the Premier League after they had failed to win any of their first 14 games should not be underestimated.
And he now needs to be given the tools to take the Magpies to the next level.
The former Ireland international, who made more than 350 appearances at St James’ Park in a 12-year stay at the club, described Howe’s achievement as “immense”.
He said: “I’m not sure any other manager could have done what Eddie has at Newcastle this season.
“It’s all right saying, ‘So-and-so could have done that’ – but could they? There was a lot of doubt swirling around.
“No team in history has stayed up after failing to win a game for 14 matches – people weren’t writing them off, they’d written them off.
“I was reading articles where people were saying that Newcastle’s owners would be the richest in the Championship.
“So, to go from that to where they are now has been immense.
Not just from the manager, but the players as well.
“I’d like to think Eddie would be given the budget, not just for this summer, but for a few more to really mould the side.
“I’d like to see him given the opportunity to challenge for those Champions League spots in the future.”
Given did nod towards the financial backing from the new owners as being key and said this rise during the second half of the campaign has raised standards.
Speaking at the WatsonMetters golf day, he said: “From now on, every player at Newcastle United will be looking over their shoulders for their places – and that’s not a bad thing.
“If the club is to move forward there needs to be competition for places in every position, that’s the key to
building a successful squad.
“What Eddie did in January helped no end, it gave them a huge lift. Those signings have been key. He didn’t need to go for world superstars. It’s about recruiting the right people.
“I think Kieran Trippier (above) was an inspired signing. I know he’s been injured, but, before that, he was excellent. But it’s not just that – he’s been a leader in the dressing room as well. And Bruno Guimaraes didn’t start the first four or five games. We were all looking at each other wondering, ‘What’s happening here, then? Why’s he not starting?’.
“But, again, Eddie’s taken his time and brought him up to speed in training and then with the pace of the Premier League itself.
“He had a few appearances late from the bench and now looks up to speed. I think he will be a huge player, going forward.”
Given was part of Manchester City when the light blues were getting to grips with their change in status, following the takeover by Sheikh Mansour back in 2008.
He added: “What Newcastle can learn from City is that it is doable – if you have the right building blocks in place.
“I went to City in the very early stages and they put the
foundations down before the likes of the Sergio Agueros and David Silvas walked into the club.
“It was similar to the signings Newcastle have made. In the early days, apart from one or two signings, they weren’t taking huge gambles.
“They did spend money, of course, they did, but there wasn’t a massive splurge.
“There are players now who will be looking at the positive momentum, the buzz about the place, the noise and atmosphere at St James’ Park and say, ‘Wow, that’s some stadium, that’s some atmosphere’.
“And they will want to be part of it. I still have family and friends in the North East and they’re telling me that the place is filled with hope again. It’s what the supporters craved.
“And a lot of players will be attracted to all of that.”