There is no place for sentiment in football. All you have to do is look across the rest of the Premier League in recent times. Thomas Tuchel, despite delivering the Champions League - gone. Marcelo Bielsa, the best Leeds United manager in a generation - gone. Perhaps most shockingly, Claudio Ranieri was given the bullet just nine months after winning the Premier League with Leicester City.
Up until now, Newcastle United’s players have delivered beyond everyone’s wildest expectations this season. Even the most optimistic Toon supporter would not have predicted their club to be sitting third in the Premier League at the start of 2023.
If everybody is being honest, Eddie Howe has the Magpies punching well above their weight. Newcastle are not one of the best teams on paper but, fortunately for Tyneside, this sport is played on grass.
READ MORE: Newcastle United new boy set to train before decision on his future with clubs lining up for loan
Tactical nous, relentless hard work and a sprinkling of occasional genius from Bruno Guimaraes and Co has landed United at this point. But, instead of resting on their laurels, this month’s transfer window must be attacked with full force.
The second half of the campaign promises to be more condensed due to the World Cup break. Fixtures will come at Howe’s men thick and fast… does he really have the squad to cement a Champions League spot?
No European football is one advantage to Newcastle but that cannot be called a leveller to an inferior squad. On their day, the Magpies have proven they can beat any team in the division, but a few injuries would deal a hammer blow to those top-four hopes.
The Saudi-backed regime have a sniff of Champions League football - you best believe they will do all they can to secure that position. Howe’s drastic transformation has probably come as a shock to the hierarchy which outlined a five-year plan upon arrival.
Finishing in the top four would catapult expectations at St James’ Park and make the ambitious project an even easier sell to potential new arrivals. Despite pre-window briefings in January and the summer suggesting the overhaul would be a slow burner, Newcastle have still spent around £220million since Mike Ashley packed his bags.
Another winter splash is expected when the market opens in the coming days. Each window must be used as an opportunity to gain ground on the Premier League elite - despite the success of the current crop. Another marquee arrival or two could prove the difference between mixing with Europe’s elite next year or settling for a Europa League spot.
Just as Tuchel, Bielsa and Ranieri learned, football is a brutal game. Those who propelled Newcastle to this spot will be forever cherished but Toon chiefs must strike while the iron is hot to give Howe the best possible chance of reaching the promised land.
READ NEXT
Arsenal react to Newcastle 'threat' as Mikel Arteta opens up on 'set-up' that's shaken the top 6
Arsenal will see pumped Newcastle after chat and Guardiola turns air blue to prove Magpies point
Leeds United aim 'cheap' referee dig but Jesse Marsch is blown away by the size of Newcastle
Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle and Leeds United brawl as 'nice guys' turn nasty and 2023 glimpse
Eddie Howe reveals wish Newcastle transfer targets must hear as traditional Arsenal plan changes
