Eddie Howe remains committed to improving his current crop of Newcastle United players but admits the Magpies may need more investment in their quest to break into the Premier League top six consistently.
Howe's side have over-performed this season but were handed a reminder that there is still a way to go when it comes to matching England's best sides last weekend. Manchester United's experience showed on the big stage at Wembley as they ran out 2-0 winners in the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle's attention now switches back to the Premier League but Howe may already have one eye on the summer market. Asked if the north east outfit need more money before they can consistently disrupt the 'Big Six', Howe responded: "It's a difficult one for me to say yes, categorically, it's only money [that can make NUFC successful.]
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"Because that takes away my one of my core beliefs; the players, So for me to say, yeah, it's only down to money, I might as well not invest the time and energy that I do with my players now.
"But I think there is an element of truth in that, that you need investments to really compete at the elite levels we're talking. To disturb the top group of teams is very difficult without that investment. So I do feel we've got more to go.
"But I do also believe in the coaching process. And I believe we can get more out of our players that we currently are and I'll always have that belief no matter how well we're doing."
Newcastle have spent a pretty penny since Mike Ashley's reign on Tyneside came to an end. However, the January market saw the Magpies keep their powder relatively dry despite allowing first-team stars to leave.
With European football on the horizon Newcastle are expected to dip into the transfer market this summer. One player who is unlikely to be around by then is Ryan Fraser after he was demoted to the Under-21 squad on Tyneside.
"I made the decision to concentrate on the players that are committed to Newcastle and for the benefit of the group I made that call," Howe said on the matter.
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