Simon Jordan admits he was ‘wrong’ about Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe with the Premier League outfit enjoying an impressive first 12 months under Saudi Arabian ownership at St James’ Park, speaking to talkSPORT (6 October, 11.50am).
Remember, in the first few weeks of the takeover, when Newcastle were being linked with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and even Neymar?
At the time, if you’d told supporters that they would end up with Dan Burn and Nick Pope, the reaction might not have been a particularly enthusiastic one.
But Newcastle deserve credit for choosing personality over price-tags. Suitability over reputation. Marquee signings may be in relatively short supply. But this is a team being constructed upon a rock-solid platform of sensible, considered additions, both on and off the pitch.
Howe has been a revelation in the dugout. Burn, Pope, Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett give Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin freedom to weave their magic in attack. And, in Dan Ashworth, Newcastle also have one of the UK’s finest sporting directors pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Newcastle United are progressing well under Saudi Arabian ownership
“Good! Good,” Jordan said when asked to give his assessment on the first 12 months of the Saudi Arabia era.
“I questioned the validity about the thinking about Eddie Howe; wrong. He’s doing a really good job. Whether he’ll take them the whole nine yards, (that is a) different discussion.
“Sensible purchases, sensible structuring, I understand they are going to structure their board and get a proper CEO in there. So that would be even more sensible.
“With that in mind, Newcastle, on a school report, are on a B-plus (or) A. They’re doing things sensibly, they’re buying the right players, building the right infrastructure. They are spending dough. But it’s not being announced like some Foghorn Leghorn cartoon character; ‘look at us, look at us, look at us’.
“They are doing it in a sensible way. So I do feel a lot more positive about Newcastle.”
Howe has not only integrated a smattering of inspired additions into a new-look starting XI, he has also breathed fresh life into the likes of Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron. Three players who looked certain to be on their way a year ago.
Almiron scored twice in last week’s 4-1 thumping of Fulham at Craven Cottage. Newcastle are seventh in the table, despite winning just two of their first eight games. Brentford will arrive at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
At this stage, European football in 2023/24 feels like a very realistic possibility.
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