Eddie Howe has added many achievements to his resumé after less than 12 months in charge of Newcastle United. The Magpies coach and his squad dragged the club clear of relegation, improved the fractured relationship with supporters and oversaw a huge culture change on Tyneside.
The Newcastle players bought into Howe's methods almost immediately and in turn results on the pitch picked up. Individual performances also improved as United won 12 of their final 18 league matches.
Jonjo Shelvey is a player who has had his Newcastle career saved by Howe in recent months. As the midfielder trudged off during the defeat to Tottenham, in the first game under new ownership, many expected his time to be at the club to soon come to an end.
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Fast forward nine months and Shelvey is likely to start on the opening day against Nottingham Forest after improving his form and fitness. The 30-year-old has spent the summer ensuring he is in the best shape possible for the return of domestic football and has praised Howe's impact on his career.
“In past years, you go home and leave the football at the training ground. You just switched off," he told the Daily Mail. "I wouldn’t go home and think about what we did at training. I would leave my work at work and concentrate on the kids.
“Now, I’m going home thinking about what I could have done better at training. That is something the gaffer has instilled in us. As soon as Eddie (Howe) came in, the intensity of the sessions went through the roof. Every drill is set up, they all lead into each other.
“It isn’t until the manager coming in here that you feel proper fit. It’s been a breath of fresh air. It’s just a great place to be. The manager has been brilliant for this club.”
Emil Krafth is another player who has saved his Newcastle career since the arrival of Howe. Benefitting from Kieran Trippier's injury earlier this year, the Swede flourished during the Magpies' purple patch at the start of 2022.
“I thought Krafth was way too out of his depth there, playing in that position," Ian Wright said back in 2020 after a defeat against Tottenham. Two years later, the Arsenal legend was praising Krafth's revival on his own podcast. Krafth signed a new one-year deal with the club on Monday and looks set to remain as Trippier's backup this term and can offer inspiration to other players facing uncertain futures in the north east.
Of course, the greatest turnaround in Newcastle since the 4-4 draw with Arsenal is the new and improved Joelinton. Everybody is aware of the job Howe has done turning the struggling striker into a midfield powerhouse.
Just as Newcastle fans thought Joelinton, Shelvey and Krafth would be out the door by now, there is plenty of speculation surrounding fringe players in Howe's squad at present.
Miguel Almiron is one squad member who has the potential to be reinvigorated by Howe's methods, with the Paraguayan enjoying an impressive pre-season. Should the former Atlanta United attacker start the season well, he is another who can prosper in this new era.
Sean Longstaff has signed a new deal but may still find himself as the club's fifth choice central midfielder this term - and that is only if another midfielder isn't signed. But he is another player who flourished in the business end of last term and showed close to his best after backing from Howe.
The revival of Shelvey and Krafth prove that there is also hope of turning round a struggling Newcastle career while Howe is at the helm. There may be a few more added to that list by this time next summer, with the likes of Jamal Lewis, Chris Wood and Jacob Murphy needing a resurgence.
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