Howe boss revived Toon duo’s careers
EDDIE Howe has added many achievements to his resume after less than 12 months in charge of Newcastle United.
The Magpies coach and his squad dragged the club clear of relegation, improved the fractured relationship with supporters and oversaw a huge culture change on Tyneside.
The Newcastle players bought into Howe’s methods almost immediately and in turn results on the pitch picked up.
Individual performances also improved as United won 12 of their final 18 league matches.
Jonjo Shelvey is a player who has had his Newcastle career saved by Howe in recent months.
As the midfielder trudged off during the defeat to Tottenham, in the first game under new ownership, many expected his time at the club to soon come to an end.
Fast forward nine months and Shelvey has a decent chance of starting on the opening day against Nottingham Forest after improving his form and fitness.
The 30-year-old has spent the summer ensuring he is in the best shape possible for the return of domestic football and
has praised Howe’s impact on his career.
He said: “In past years you would go home and leave the football at the training ground. You just switched off,.
“I would not go home and think about what we did at training. I would leave my work at work and concentrate on the kids.
“Now I am going home thinking about what I could have done better at training.
“That is something the gaffer has instilled in us.
“As soon as Eddie came in the intensity of the sessions went through the roof.
“Every drill is set up, they all lead into each other.
“It has been a breath of fresh air. It is just a great place to be at and the manager has been brilliant for this club.”
Emil Krafth is another player who has seemingly saved his Newcastle career since the arrival of Howe.
Benefitting from Kieran Trippier’s injury earlier this year, the Swede flourished during the Magpies’ purple patch at the start of 2022.
Krafth looks set to remain as Trippier’s back-up this term and can offer inspiration to other players facing uncertain futures in the North East.
Just as Newcastle fans thought Shelvey and Krafth would be out the door by now, there is speculation surrounding fringe players in Howe’s squad.
Miguel Almiron is one squad member who has the potential to be reinvigorated by Howe’s methods, the Paraguayan enjoying an impressive pre-season.
Sean Longstaff has signed a new deal but may still find himself as the club’s fifth-choice central midfielder this term and that is only if another schemer is not signed.
The revival of Shelvey and Krafth proves there is hope of turning round a struggling Newcastle career while Howe is at the helm. There may be a few more added to that list soon.