Michael Owen has hailed Eddie Howe’s impact at Newcastle United and believes the club can compete for the Premier League title within five years. Not since 2001 - when Owen was the poster boy of English football - have the Magpies been considered title contenders.
An historic win over Leeds United meant Newcastle were top of the tree at Christmas but the optimism was short-lived as Arsenal ran away with the league from January onwards. However, the Saudi-backed takeover means title tilts could soon return to Tyneside after 20 years of struggle.
Co-owner Amanda Staveley declared her aim to win the Premier League within 5-10 years upon arrival and, just one year after the deal was completed, United are already breathing down the big boys' necks. Howe has Newcastle sitting fourth in the table, losing just once from their opening 12 games.
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Former Toon striker Owen revealed how he got to know Howe after his Bournemouth departure in August 2020. The 42-year-old hailed his impact since arriving last November and predicted a title charge in the coming years.
“It's exciting times for Newcastle,” Owen told AceOdds. “The manager is somebody I know well. I did a lot of TV work with him once he left Bournemouth and was out of a job, did a lot of TV work with him and I can't tell you how impressed I was with his knowledge and just him as a person.
“I can imagine him being a brilliant man manager. I think that they’ve made a brilliant appointment with Eddie Howe and I think that so far he's just done an incredible job.
“They've got some great players and I can see Newcastle going from strength to strength, maybe even European football this year. If you're looking three, four or five years down the line, you'd be foolish to discount Newcastle if you're talking about Champions League places and maybe even going for the title.”
The ex-Magpies striker also urged supporters to remain patient as the club embarks on an ambitious journey. As it stands, the recent good run of form has allowed the feel-good factor to continue emanating from St James’ Park.
“Newcastle fans probably need to be patient,” Owen added. “It might take a few cycles or a few different types of players before they get to the promised land.
“But it's certainly a possibility the way things are going. I think they've got, as I say, a great manager. The infrastructure's all there. So, yeah, it is fascinating to see how the next few years go.”
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