The Flight Of The Magpies

Alan Shearer, the Catalyst

Alan Shearer, former captain of the  English  Football Team and one of the finest players coming out of England, had my admiration as an inspirational player. A legend of English Football, Alan Shearer played a major part of his sport ( a decade ) with Newcastle United, the club formed in Newcastle upon Tyne. My adulation of Alan Shearer led to my interests in Newcastle United and since the late 90s I have been following the performance of the club. 

Newcastle United & A Steady Decline 

Founded in 1892, a good 130 years ago, Newcastle with their black and White stripes ( resembling magpie ‘the bird’ ) have been one of the major Football Clubs in England and have a magnificent history. However post the  Bobby Robson era ( post 2004 ) as Manager and during the ownership of Mike Ashley ( 2007-21 ), Newcastle have had a mediocre stint including being relegated from the English Premier League . Though I always wanted to see Newcastle do well, they kept slipping steadily to my utter dismay. They used to be in the top  half of the EPL Table, but then they started occupying the bottom half. In the last 9 seasons there best performance as been 10th in the 17/18 competition. 

An astonishing Change

The good news however is that the tide is beginning to shift, the times are changing for  Newcastle and it has to be said that  the change which the club has undergone since a year has been astonishing and greatly fulfilling, the reason for my post today. With just 8 games to go this season, the Magpies are in the top 4, jostling with Manchester United and Tottenham for positions 3 and 4 and a place in the  next UEFA Champions league. But what has brought about this dramatic change in just a year is highly interesting and a lesson in managing and  developing a team .

Prudent Investments 

Post October 21, when the ownership of the club changed hands ( Saudi backed group taking over the reigns ), a lot of vitality has been infused in the Club. Eddie Howe, the person managing the team has been excellent and has the complete backing of the Management. Though the new owners have spent almost £200 mn, the club has very interestingly not spent on big names, but has invested in talented young footballers who have the potential to grow and develop into top class players. Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman to name a few.

Eddie Howe’s Influence

Eddie Howe’s influence on the team has also been instrumental, particularly regarding Joelinton  who has flourished under Howe. His performance in the midfield has been a major boost for the Magpies. Callum Wilson, Trippier, Willock, the old timers too have played their part. Eddie Howe has built a formidable team with a tight defence, an enterprising midfield and an efficient forward line . No wonder,  of the 30 matches played so far in the EPL, Newcastle have lost just 4 matches. They have win 15 and drawn a massive 11 , scoring 48 goals in all. 

Flying Magpies

Truly Inspirational

Lavish spending and getting big stars into the team may not necessarily guarantee success. It is instilling  self belief in players and making them realise their potential is too critical a factor to be missed out.  Bereft of big stars, Newcastle signing Eddie Howe as Manager has been one  investment which has led to a deluge of promising results and a possible ticket to the next season’s UEFA Champions League Competition after many many years. What a turnaround. Truly inspirational !!

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