Newcastle United legends Shay Given, Steve Harper and Alan Shearer all appeared before a fan panel to discuss the 'electric' Magpies, Eddie Howe and the team's ambitions for this season. The famous Newcastle trio featured as part of the Premier League's Fan Fest in Orlando, USA, on Saturday ahead of the goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
Howe's side were frustrated at Selhurst Park in the televised evening encounter but moved back into third spot in the table. Attention for Newcastle now turns to the Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Southampton, along with the final days of the transfer window.
The panel were quizzed on Newcastle's turnaround, Howe's impact, and the priority for the remainder of the season by NBC Sports anchor Rebecca Lowe. Here is everything Given, Harper, and Shearer said about the Magpies as part of Premier League Fan Fest.
READ MORE: Newcastle owners see transfer must, £10m insurance policy and star already found - 5 things
RL: Alan, I've got to start with you. You live up there of course in the North East. Just tell us a little bit about...because Newcastle are doing so well, the effect it's had on the city where you live.
AS: It's amazing, when you just read the stats out there, this time last season we were second bottom. You can imagine...it's electric. It's incredible the atmosphere.
Newcastle fans want to be entertained. Their football means so much to them, they go to work all week to spend their money on a Saturday supporting Newcastle.
It's great to see, long may it continue. They're really, really enjoying it. Looking forward to the game today and of course a semi-final on Tuesday as well. It's great times again.
RL: Steve, as the academy manager you're there every day. Just give us a taste of walking in that building at the training ground every day. The electricity that Alan talks about in the city, is it matched inside the club?
SH: Very much so, the club fuels the city as Alan talked about there, and the feel-good factor on the back of the takeover has just completely transformed. That drips down to all levels, obviously the women's team now and in the academy.
The systems and processes we do in there are very similar to the club, putting a structure in for long-term success and sustainability. It's a good place to be right now.
RL: Shay, it has been such a long wait for this. It feels just from a neutral perspective, it feels refreshing to have Newcastle United back up there, somewhere they've not been for 20 years. Is that how you feel looking at your old club?
SG: Yeah, I mean it's nice to come and meet some of the Newcastle fans here today as well. I think the message that they've sent to me and around the city of Newcastle is the hope, the excitement is back in the city.
It seems like with the previous owners, a cloud has been lifted and the fans have hope and can dream of challenging in the Premier League and of course as Alan mentioned, the semi-final of the League Cup on Tuesday night as well. There's huge excitment around Newcastle at the minute.
RL: Credit of course goes to so many people at the club but Eddie Howe has to take a huge amount. We were talking about this yesterday Alan, he is so calm, he is the perfect manager, the perfect role model, the person you want on the side of the field when things are going well and things are going badly. How impressed have you been by him?
AS: I don't think you can be anything but impressed with what he's done, how he operates, the energy he's brought to the football club. The recruitment has been fantastic, but I think a big part of it is that a lot of the players that were there, how much he's improved them.
When you look at the likes of Longstaff, Schar, and another four or five players, Almiron, Joelinton, it is remarkable. It is hard work on the training ground, it's dedication. But it's also him and what he brings to the team, and the energy.
What a job he's doing and we're all loving it. Great place to be.
RL: So what's he like Eddie Howe, to see him every day? Is he as calm as he appears Steve?
SH: I think meticulous, I think the level of detail, the planning... he's in at 6.30 every morning. He probably doesn't leave till 6.30 at night. The intricacies of his plans and the analysis now, it's the modern game. He's brought that to Newcastle and it's reaping the rewards on the pitch.
RL: Let's look at this season, sitting nicely in fourth Shay. What are we thinking? Are we title contenders?
SG: Maybe not this season, but it depends on the results. We're halfway through Rebecca, I think you don't want to get too excited because you can get too carried away but if they finish in the Champions League [places] and won the League Cup, it'd be an unbelievable season.
You showed the graphic before, second bottom in the league when Eddie took charge. The journey that they've been on has just been immense.
RL: Final question Al, would you take fifth and a League Cup?
AS: Absolutely! Yes, definitely. We haven't won a trophy since '69, give me a trophy and fifth all day. Absolutely.
READ NEXT
Bruno Guimaraes 'frustrated' after Newcastle draw as he pays tribute to Magpies staff
Nick Pope reflects on 'split-second' moment that preserved unbeaten Newcastle United record
Newcastle owners see transfer must, £10m insurance policy and star already found - 5 things
Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle player ratings: Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope star to net club record
Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle: Frustrated Magpies left pondering recruitment options after stalemate
