Alan Shearer has stated ‘how crazy’ it is that the previous Newcastle owner, Mike Ashley, didn’t realise what he had at the club.
On Monday night, Newcastle topped off an indifferent season, that started so poorly, by ending on a high with a win against Arsenal.
Back in October, the Toon Army faithful were fearing the worst because they had Ashley in charge, Steve Bruce in the dugout and they were facing relegation.
Fast forward to today, they have new Saudi-led ownership, a forward-thinking manager in Eddie Howe and a future that is getting many supporters dreaming big.
Shearer, speaking to Premier League Productions, took shots at Ashley and stated that next season, he feels they can be the ‘best of the rest’.
“What a shame,” said Shearer. “How crazy it was that the previous owner didn’t realise what he had at Newcastle. These do.
“They have made a very good start and long may that continue because with investment in the summer. Forward planning and thinking, then who knows what Newcastle can achieve?
“Perhaps best of the rest? Not top-four, but best of the rest – The excitement is back. You can see that. You can feel that – the atmosphere is there again and it’s brilliant to see.
“It’s a football-mad city. They live and breathe their football club and thank goodness they have got that back.”
NEWCASTLE TO PUSH FOR EUROPE NEXT SEASON?
There is nothing wrong with an owner running the club on a tight budget, money isn’t everything and it didn’t guarantee success.
The issue with Ashley is that there was no ambition, forward planning or care for those who paid their good earned money to buy their ticket.
Added with that, the Magpies suffered two relegations under his ownership, yet he didn’t learn his lessons and change his ways.
But, all of that is the past now and this previously relegation-threatened side surely has to be pushing for Europe now?
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