The exciting Newcastle United plans for 2024/25 and 'showcase' summer that lies ahead
Eddie Howe spoke warmly of his exciting plans for the future at Newcastle United after the emphatic 5-1 victory over Sheffield United at St James' Park.
It's hard to believe that despite having Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Nick Pope all on the sidelines, that the Magpies are closing in on a place in European competition next term for the second season in succession. But here we are with four matches to play and one hand on a slot in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
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In the past 48 hours, Howe has made it clear that he aims to keep Bruno Guimaraes exactly where he is. With a smile, Howe said afterwards: "He (Bruno) is very much part of my plans! We have to showcase what we can offer him as a club.
"And hope that is enough to keep him. The supporters did their bit before the game in recognition to him. He scored a very important goal for us. Hopefully, he stays with us for many years."
With the return of Adidas, the continued support of Sela and incoming money from off the field ventures and Europe, it is just as exciting as the mid-90s for supporters young and old. Given the pre-match flag display it's hard to see Bruno getting that type of love anywhere else.
It is now about the team Newcastle can build around him but things are already falling into place. It is expected that Howe will get his wish to bring in three or four new signings this summer and he will do so with a clearer vision than last summer.
Whether Howe's ideas dovetailed with those of Dan Ashworth is debatable subject but things did not gel in the summer as well as they might have. And Newcastle did not get everything they needed for what has been a testing campaign.
Despite rattling in 74 goals, Howe seemed genuinely excited himself as he contemplated the future for a brief second. He told Chronicle Live: "I think we've got room to improve just in terms of getting numbers back that can help us and these players that again have had to go week in, week out – and again today, a very quick turn-around of games, we couldn't really rotate the team more than we did, so it's been a big burden on those lads.
"But they've done incredibly well. I think there was a big of fatigue in that first-half performance, that wasn't like us, but second half when we had a much better feel about us, you saw the attacking quality that we do possess and as you say with other players to come back, I think it's exciting."
A week of preparation ahead of the trip to Howe's old club Burnley comes next. Win that one and Newcastle could find themselves back in Europe's departure lounge if other results go their way. They aren't quite on the plane yet but they are counting down the moments.