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Opinion
What a difference a year makes.
Just 12 months ago Newcastle United were a club who had concluded a January transfer window with significant expenditure but a real danger of being relegated.
Cautious optimism spread through the Geordie faithful who hoped that the new signings could hit the ground running and propel them away from the drop zone.
Now, Newcastle United are sitting third in the Premier League table and have just made their first cup final since 1999, hoping to win their first major trophy since 1969 and first domestic cup since 1955.
As far as remarkable turnarounds go you’d be hard pressed to find one greater than that at St James’ Park. What was once a club run with no ambition and a fan base who turned up out of habit rather than enjoyment has turned into a club rejuvenated and optimism permeates throughout the club.
Significant money has been spent on transfers but to attribute the upturn in fortunes solely on that is doing a major disservice to not only Eddie Howe and his coaching staff but also the owners of the club who have embraced not just the football club but the community as a whole.
Investment has been made in the clubs facilities, canteen, youth academy, staff hirings and the women’s team has finally been brought into the family.
All of this was neglected under the previous regime and the club floundered as a result. Many column inches have been dedicated to calling Newcastle United a sleeping giant and now we are all seeing signs of the giant waking up.
From Wor Flags to the improved social media team all the way through to the accessibility of the owners it was barely conceivable that the club could have such a feel good factor so soon after the takeover.
St James’ Park overlooks the city of Newcastle and it’s no exaggeration to say that the mood of the residents is dictated by the results on the pitch and I can guarantee you Newcastle is one happy toon right now!
With a cup final looming and the possibility of a top four finish which will bring in added revenue and commercial opportunities – which in turn allows greater flexibility with FFP – we may be on the verge of seeing Newcastle United firmly entrenched in the upper echelon of English football.
HWTL!
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