Yahoo News Newcastle notes: Al-Rumayyan's 'healthy' boardroom talks, Howe's defiance and cruel European threat
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe had a key message for Chelsea and Manchester United as the season heads for something of a dramatic finale in the Premier League.
As the Blues beat Nottingham Forest, Howe insisted that the situation is "still in our hands" as Newcastle start preparations for what could be billed as the European eliminator for Man United. Chelsea must also head to Brighton for what will be a tough game on Wednesday night with a crucial 90 plus minutes ahead for all three teams.
United's 8-0 thrashing over relegated Sheffield United is also looking extremely handy right now, Howe said: "It's in our hands. Our goal difference is really strong.
"You'd always prefer that way, you can control what you can control, we don't have to look at other results. But still, you don't take anything for granted. We know how difficult these two games are going to be."
READ MORE: Newcastle player ratings after 1-1 draw against the Seagulls
Newcastle supremo looked satisfied with how things are going as Howe reveals "healthy" talks
Howe had spent part of last week as an observer in a "business performance" summit up in Northumberland. But he knows what is needed to take Newcastle to the next level.
After the game had finished Yasir Al-Rumayyan went around the pitch with the players and took time out to chat to some of the key figures. The Newcastle and PIF chief spent several minutes talking to star striker Alexander Isak which could be a good sign for Newcastle fans.
The reality is United chiefs must make things work by complying to FFP and PSR but also move forward. When asked about the talks in Northumberland, Howe said: "The big thing on that is you want the club to be united, you want the club to be one team and I do feel we've had that since I've been here, so really united. The support network from players to staff to owners, I think you can see the relationships we have when they come on to the pitch at the end.
"I think that's really healthy, a chance for everyone to show appreciation for each other, for us to the supporters, the supporters to the players, so I think there's a really good feeling about the club at the moment."
The cruel twist that could yet dent Newcastle's European hopes
It has been billed as a three-horse race going into the run-in with Newcastle, Chelsea and Man United still able to grab a Europa League slot. But the danger is that things could drag on until FA Cup final day on May 25.
Were Newcastle to finish seventh and Man United end the campaign in eighth, the last place in Europe would then go to the Red Devils if, and only if, they win the FA Cup. That would be a tall order against Pep Guardiola's double-chasing Man City but the fact remains celebrations and certainty will be put on hold if the order of play ends in a particular way.
Newcastle can nail Europe if they finish sixth and may now have to win both games to do so.
