Buoyant Howe is looking to future

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe allowed himself to do two things this week that are a signpost for his and the club’s future.

First, he arranged house viewings in the North East. It was always the plan to move from the South Coast, but as he said: ‘Wins certainly help in that regard.’

Then, during Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Everton, Howe indulged in a moment of wondering.

‘The atmosphere around the ground, the feeling everyone had of being connected with each other, it gave me an insight into what the club could be like if we were winning on a consistent basis,’ he said.

Howe is right. It was an experience inconsistent with a relegation scrap. If anything, it had the feel of European nights of old. In the cold light of day, Newcastle remain one point above the relegation zone. Howe knows as much.

‘We’re not in that moment yet,’ he said, referencing his thoughts during the Everton win. ‘This game can change very quickly.’

Next up is Aston Villa at St James’ today, where a third straight win would accelerate the manager’s property search.

Howe oversaw January’s £100million recruitment spree, so it is little wonder he has welcomed director of football Dan Ashworth from Brighton.

‘It is a really important appointment for the club’s longterm future,’ said Howe. ‘The stronger your team is around you, the better the decisions that are made.’ There, again, was that word ‘future’. Foundations are being laid on Tyneside. Newcastle v Aston Villa. Live

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