It's the start of another campaign, and Newcastle United fans are excited with the new Adidas shirts, which so much of the city are donning with pride, taking them back for many, to their childhood - Kevin Keegan's Entertainers going for the Premier League title, only a few dream of doing such a thing this time around. However, is the Champions League a realistic target? I think so.
Normally finishing 7th gets you a European place, but because Manchester United had such a poor league campaign by finishing 8th - and surprisingly winning the FA Cup against the other half of Manchester, however on the day - Man United deserved the win. Unfortunately for myself, coming back from the post-season trip out in Melbourne, my connection flight landed in Dubai, and first thing I did, was to check the score - and honestly I felt deflated at that very moment. However, on reflection - it may actually be a blessing in disguise for Eddie Howe.
We know injuries crippled the side in 23/24, without doubt it's the worst I've ever saw in almost 30 years following the club - we've saw changes on the medical side with the club appointing James Bunce, who will be 'reporting into new sporting director Paul Mitchell, supporting the club's performance, medical, sports science, nutrition and psychology teams, helping to drive an elite performance culture and cohesive approach across the men's first team, Academy and Newcastle United Women.'
So, naturally I'm in wishful thinking we won't have a crisis with playing staff as such, and with just over two weeks of the transfer window open, I'd expect a couple of new players to arrive - boosting the first eleven, but also the substitute bench - last season we had two goalkeepers appearing and a bunch of u21 kids, we can't have this again.
However, the biggest thing I personally think, and I mentioned this above, is no European football this time. Most weeks we will play one game a week, and I would class as rivals for the Champions League spots are Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs and Aston Villa. They will have the added pressure of playing most weeks, two games. I will go on record and say Manchester City will battle Arsenal once more for the title, with Liverpool further behind.
One last thing, prediction time. I have every confidence in Eddie Howe, as long as he is backed and gets the players he wants - that we will reach the Champions League by finishing fifth. Yes, that's right, fifth. That's because I believe the English sides will do better than last season in all three of UEFA's competitions and therefor England will be granted an extra place in the Champions League. Most seasons England finish in the top two coefficient positions, so howay - believe in it!
Here's to no serious injuries, backing in the transfer window and English sides going far in Europe!
Photo credits: Newcastle United
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