When Kieran Trippier arrived at Newcastle in January, critics accused him of lacking ambition.
The new owners’ long-term vision was clear and the financial incentives were impressive. But the club was 19th in the table and#, with mere survival the immediate priority, the path towards becoming top-four contenders looked a long one.
Except heading into their final game of 2022, against Leeds on Saturday, Eddie Howe’s side find themselves in second spot after six wins on the bounce with Trippier, wearing the captain’s armband, marshalling the division’s tightest defence.
While the project currently appears ahead of schedule, to say the 32-year-old feels vindicated for swapping Atletico Madrid for the Tyne would be an understatement.
“I said it on the first day I signed, I want to help the club,” he said. “I came when they were 19th in the league and got questioned about that, but I believed and have believed throughout my whole career. I believed that I could help them stay up.
"But it is about building. We are high up at the moment but the Premier League is relentless so you've got to keep your feet on the ground.”
Although Trippier and Howe are stressing the need for the team not to get carried away, they will make no attempt to stifle the excitement of supporters.
“The fans are there to dream,” Trippier said. “That is what they pay all their hard-earned money to watch us and follow us for. They can dream, of course. As players we need to be realistic and keep our feet on the ground.
“We're in a good position but you can't take anything for granted, you've always got to respect your opposition. But we believe. We are together as a team and a club and just take it game at a time.”
Trippier was among four Newcastle players who started the Boxing Day demolition of Leicester having been at the World Cup. Howe offered them a few days off to recover but they were determined to jump straight back in.
“It’s about coming back and doing everything that you can for your club,” Trippier added. Obviously we wanted to go far in the World Cup but that didn't happen so I feel like it was important that me and the other boys came back straight away and got back into it.”
And while England’s tournament ended in disappointment, the full back said that he was “obviously delighted” to hear that Gareth Southgate will be remaining in charge.
He added: “Gareth is a fantastic manager. I've said that since I've been involved with England. It’s brilliant for all the lads. I think I can speak on behalf of all the lads.”
