Jonjo Shelvey is targeting a European spot in the Premier League with Newcastle United this season. Not since the 2012-13 campaign have the Magpies competed on the continent, when Alan Pardew guided the club to the Europa League quarter-finals.
Benfica - the side United face in pre-season on Tuesday - eliminated United that year, with relegation battles all Toon supporters have known since. While that season in European competition ultimately proved to be a fling, the £300million Saudi-backed takeover last October planted the seeds of a potential romance in the not-too-distant future.
Newcastle stalwart Shelvey is relishing the prospect of competing at the top end of the division. His six-and-a-half years on Tyneside have polarised supporters but he remains an integral part of Eddie Howe’s plans.
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, the 30-year-old insists West Ham United should be the inspiration for the upcoming campaign. Irons boss David Moyes has transformed the club into European regulars - punching above their weight - and Shelvey believes the Magpies can replicate that achievement.
“We need to have a season like West Ham did last year,” he said. “Fighting for Europe; qualify for the Europa League - that is the next step for this club.
“We haven’t really set a target but we know we have to use the team spirit from last season - you can see the spirit around the camp.
“There were so many singers around the hotel after dinner the other night, people were actually volunteering. It’s just a great place to be at the moment. No, before you ask, I’m not a singer!
“But the club are putting in the foundations to go right to the very top. It’s an honour to still be here and to be part of the journey.”
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