Former England defender Danny Mills has hailed the impact of Newcastle United’s January transfer window additions on their resurgence.
The Magpies have been rejuvenated under the guidance of head coach Eddie Howe, who signed five new players in January. Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn all arrived on permanent deals, whilst Matt Targett was brought in on loan from Aston Villa. Howe's men have not tasted defeat in the league since December, when Manchester City ran riot with a 4-0 win at St James' Park.
They have since embarked on an eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, providing hope that the club has a bright future under the new regime and new head coach.
Mills told Football Insider : "The signings have been absolutely massive, they’ve been huge. What they’ve brought in, look at the leadership, especially with Kieran Trippier. That was absolutely huge and I know he’s missing now with injury.
"The signings have clearly helped, you cannot deny that. Eddie Howe has given them a lift and a bit more tactical nous but the signings have had a huge impact. They have got themselves into a decent position and it is now in their hands but as we’ve seen, over a weekend, the Premier League table can change quickly."
Some of their additions were not particularly glamorous but the additions which attracted the least fanfare have arguably been the most shrewd. The arrivals of Targett and Burn did not send supporters into a frenzy but have both considerably strengthened Howe's backline.
Newcastle currently occupy 14th place in the Premier League table and have given themselves some breathing space in the battle to retain Premier League status. They are a point ahead of 15th-placed Brentford despite having played two less games and they have a seven-point lead over 18th-placed Burnley.
