Eddie Howe has insisted Newcastle United will defy the odds and stay in the Premier League.
The United chief reckons it could take as few as 30 points to avoid the drop this season - because winning games at the bottom has become so difficult.
Howe is convinced that despite winning just once this season, and being on a three game losing streak with Manchester United visiting St James’ Park next, that the Toon have the talent and games left to climb to safety.
The ex-Bournemouth chief has been in charge for seven games amid relentlessly positive support from the Geordie fans, despite conceding 17 goals.
He’s bossed just one win since succeeding Steve Bruce, two draws and four defeats.
But Howe is convinced his methods will come good, especially against fellow strugglers, with new players also lined up in January.
He said: “Absolutely there is enough in this squad (to keep us in the league). There are enough games, and there is enough talent in the squad.
“But time is against us. We can’t waste games. When opportunities are there we have to take them. Every game we don’t win makes it harder to achieve what we want to.”
Howe has given his players Christmas Day at home, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo ’s visit, and says he is ready to fight his way through the club’s problems.
He added: “I am loving it. The difficult moments and tough challenges only enhance your determination to make it a success to come out of the other side.
“It was never going to be easy, never going to be plain sailing. I am fully aware of what football management is like, from my experience, and I am here to get my head down, work through the many tough situations for the benefit of this football club.
“I would want more points for sure. We came into a very difficult situation. We knew the size of the task. I can’t question the players on what they have given me, which is always the marker. They have given me everything.
“We have not always got the points. The away games we have had have been tough and we have fallen down on some fine margins. Overall, I know there is huge room for improvement.”
Last season third bottom Fulham were relegated on 28 points, but in 2020 Howe took Bournemouth down with 34.
Asked how low the bar might be this season, Howe said: “It highlights how difficult it is to get points in the Premier League. Take our last two games, where we did a lot right, but ended up with two heavy defeats.
“The margins against the top teams are so small. Any mistake is punished. First half against Man City they were quiet as an attacking force in the first half, and we went in 2-0 down!”
Newcastle have written to the Premier League to complain about recent refereeing decisions, especially Ederson’s penalty box slide into Ryan Fraser that VAR ignored. “There is a feeling of unjustness and a feeling of disbelief at the things that have gone against us,” added Howe.
Newcastle are talking to Brighton ’s Dan Ashworth about becoming Director of Football and Howe said: “I highly respect Dan and his work, but I won't go into any more than that. He works for another club."
Nicky Hammond has been brought in as transfer consultant for January and Howe added: "He adds valuable experience. I have known him for a number of years and he's very keen to help."
