Champions League qualification, a day out at Wembley and, perhaps best of all, the return of an intimidating atmosphere that’s fitting of the history of St. James’ Park. It’s been a long time since Newcastle United enjoyed a season quite as memorable as this one.
Even in the midst of optimism brought by the takeover in 2021 and the Eddie Howe-led revolution that followed last season, few could have predicted the Magpies would have enjoyed such superb results on the pitch.
No club lost fewer games than Newcastle’s five in the Premier League season, and it’s testament to the effort Howe’s men have put in that the club’s Player of the Year award could be handed out to any one of this season’s regulars.
But that’s where you, the fans, come in. ChronicleLive’s Newcastle United writers have picked out four nominees for the top award this season, and it’s up to you to decide who should wear the crown.
Among the nominees are new signings Alexander Isak and Nick Pope. Isak’s brilliance was clear to see early on after netting on his debut at Anfield, but injuries denied Magpies fans the chance to see him at his best until the new year.
He ended the campaign with 10 goals, including seven in as many games during a crucial period over March and April that helped the club tighten their grip on fourth place.
Pope, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the league’s safest pair of hands since joining from Burnley last summer. Only David De Gea kept more clean sheets than Pope this campaign, and even led to calls for him to usurp Jordan Pickford as England’s number one.
Few players have a redemption story quite like Joelinton, who’s turnaround under Howe has epitomised the change in fortune of the club over the last 18 months. Once a failed relic of Mike Ashley’s era of stagnation, the Brazilian has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and a fan favourite to boot.
Another instrumental cog in the Newcastle midfield is Sean Longstaff, though he may not get the recognition he deserves from those who haven’t watched United regularly. The academy graduate has enjoyed his best season on Tyneside and is a worthy contender for Player of the Year.
Who do you think deserves the award? Is there anyone else you think deserves to be nominated? Let us know in the comments below…
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