The naysayers will say Newcastle United's Champions League qualification was all down to money and only possible due to the new-found wealth the Magpies came into less than two years ago. But time and time again, Eddie Howe has proved that particular notion wrong.
While Bruno, Tripps, Isak and Botman have certainly made life easier on Tyneside, the bedrock of this fantastic Newcastle side is the players Howe found when he arrived at the Magpies' Benton base. Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Callum Wilson & Fabian Schar, all of whom have helped stave off relegation at St James' Park, are now preparing to hear that famous Champions League anthem as they walk out in front of what will surely be typically fantastic Wor Flags displays.
Two of the players Howe inherited deserve what comes next more than most: Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy. Both expected to be thrown on the footballing scrapheap not too long ago, the duo have been instrumental to Newcastle's success this season.
