Boss will be carrying on Toon’s ‘evolution not revolution’ policy

EDDIE Howe has vowed to work ‘incredibly hard’ behind the scenes this summer to ensure that Newcastle United come back a ‘stronger unit’ next season.

It will be a window of evolution rather than revolution on Tyneside as Newcastle’s owners look to gradually strengthen the squad while complying with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Newcastle spent £93m last January without any players leaving in the owners’ first window in charge, but the Magpies will trade in the coming months to not only create space for new arrivals but, also, to reduce the wage bill and generate additional funds.

Newcastle’s revenue streams, after all, have yet to be bolstered by new sponsorship deals at a time when the club’s wage to turnover ratio is already at 65%. That is just one of the many reasons why the Newcastle’s outlay this summer might not be as lavish as some outsiders believe.

However, in saying that, there will be changes and some of the names on final team sheet of the campaign, at Burnley, on Sunday, may not be in the match-day squad which contests the first game of the new campaign in August.

“We have to improve and we have to work incredibly hard to improve everything about the team during the summer and make sure we come back a stronger unit,” Howe told Sky Sports.

“It’s a massive football club and we have big ambitions, but my job is to focus on how we do it rather than talk.

“I think next season will be the proof.”