Can Newcastle finish in the top half next season?

With things looking bleak half way through last season with Mike Ashley upstairs and Steve Bruce at the helm, Newcastle became one of the most in form teams in the country as they powered through to finish just outside the top half in 11th place. Considering they went on a 14 winless streak it is staggering that Eddie Howe managed to win so many games and steady the ship comfortably. 

So what are the expectations for Newcastle United as they head in to the 2022/23 season? Find out more below.

Newcastle last season

There is obviously a huge divide from last season. However, with the sale of the club and Eddie Howe coming in as the new manager that really changed how they finished the season.

Obviously there is some problems regarding the sale of the club with the connections to Saudi Arabia and their human rights but it certainly helped Newcastle United as they were able to make transfers in January to help the squad. 

Signings of Dan Burn, Chris Wood, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier boosted the squad and made the team competitive again. 

Transfers this season

Newcastle have once again delved into the transfer market by singing England international Nick Pope and are linked with many more players as they have a war chest available. They have also made Matt Targett permanent.

However, wingers Callum Hudson- Odoi and Anthony Gordon are both heavily linked with a move to the North East to further their careers.

These types of signings will certainly bolster the Newcastle squad again and push them forward.

A cup run

One thing that Newcastle have had to sacrifice in recent years is a good cup run. Scraping with relegation and trying to stay afloat is understandably more important than going into the quarters of the League Cup. However, aspirations this year should be to challenge more competitively in the cups whether that be the FA Cup or the League Cup. 

Newcastle have only reached the quarter finals stage or further of the FA Cup twice since the 04/05 seasons and crashed out at the third round nine times in that time as well.

How will they achieve their goals?

Trusting Eddie Howe is the main thing to do in this situation. He has changed things around dramatically and is a very hands on coach that could work wonders if he is fully trusted like he has been so far at Newcastle. Players have stepped up who were previously at the club and the ones who have come in have improved the situation. He was even an outsider for manager of the season.

Newcastle need consistency now. Last season was a roller-coaster ride and they just need a monorail season.  A couple more signings will certainly solidify the squad and push them on to challenge the likes of West Ham, Wolves, Brighton and Leicester City.

Is Europe beyond the realms of possibility? Who knows with this Newcastle side, if they continue their form from the end of last season then certainly.

This is a paid guest post.