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.