Revolution not possible in a summer

NEWCASTLE need to improve as the Magpies have been in a relegation battle ‘for a reason’ – but Eddie Howe has stressed a ‘revolution’ won’t be possible this summer.

United were second from bottom and without a win when Howe was appointed in November, but the head coach has since overseen a remarkable turnaround.

Although Newcastle are not mathematically safe just yet, the Magpies are currently nine points clear of the relegation zone in 13th place following a run of 10 victories in their last 16 games.

Hard work and togetherness have been at the heart of Newcastle’s transformation under Howe while January was a game changer after £93m was spent on Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Chris Wood and Matt Targett (loan).

Newcastle will make further signings in the summer, but the message from the top is that there will not be radical changes to this summer.

“It’s going to evolution. I don’t think there can be a revolution,” Howe told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“There’s going to be small improvements, small adjustments, because I don’t think any team can revolutionise in a couple of months, but we definitely need to improve because we’ve been in a relegation battle for a reason and it’s very difficult to turn that upside down immediately.

“I have to say the players deserve huge credit for what

they’ve done since I’ve been here. I’m full of compliments for the team spirit and the unity and, again, our supporters at the end were incredible.”