Former Newcastle United winger Chris Waddle believes Eddie Howe should be aiming to steer the Magpies into the top six heading into the 22/23 campaign. United finished in a respectable 11th position last season and will be looking to build upon their stellar turn around.
With many bookmakers suggesting Newcastle may be a dark horse to qualify for European football next season, it is worth noting the gulf in class at present between the Premier League's top 6/7 sides admittedly.
With runaway pacemakers Manchester City and Liverpool stretching deep within most tournaments this season, the Magpies job over the next five years will be to attempt to bridge the current gap, with Waddle insisting Howe has done superb in his tasks so far.
"Eddie Howe has done a great job at Newcastle this season. He's freshened things up and got them performing and the players got a massive lift. Bruno Guimaraes has fitted in very nicely and Joelinton has been a revelation," began the 61-year-old, as he spoke exclusively to BoyleSports most recently.
"Newcastle need another striker. Callum Wilson on his day is a very good striker, but unfortunately he gets a lot of injuries. Eddie has got the club on a high and he needs to try and keep it that way and make sure the players don't rest on their laurels.
With Hugo Ekitike's arrival in the north east expected in the coming weeks, finding the net on a more frequent basis will be the Frenchmen's early task and Waddle hopes his former side can now kick on even further.
"The challenge for Newcastle now is trying to knock on the door of the Europa League and the signings Eddie brings in are going to be very important for that - finishing seventh or eighth has to be the target for Newcastle next season."
