A round-up of the latest Newcastle United headlines on Thursday, May 12.
Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson knocking on the door to start against Arsenal
Eddie Howe says he will make a decision in the next few days on whether Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson start against Arsenal with both players knocking on the door to be included in his starting line-up.
Trippier had a cameo in the 5-0 loss to Man City but is itching to start a game while Wilson will be keen to erase memories of his clear chance against the champions on Sunday. Howe is keen to involve them but does not want to take any big risks with injuries.
He said: "Both players would say they're very keen to start but my job is to make sure I'm doing what's best for the team. "We've got to make sure they're fit enough to last a long period in the game. We'll make a decision based on the training week."
Eddie Howe explains why there can't be a Newcastle revolution even if he's about to get ruthless
Newcastle United need to improve because the Magpies have been in a relegation battle 'for a reason' but Eddie Howe has stressed a 'revolution' won't be possible this summer.
Newcastle were second from bottom and without a win when Howe was appointed last November, but the head coach has since overseen a remarkable turnaround. So much so, Newcastle are mathematically safe with two games to go.
Hard work and togetherness have been at the heart of Newcastle's transformation under Howe while January was a game changer after £93m was spent on Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Chris Wood and Matt Targett (loan). Newcastle will make further signings in the summer, but the message from the top has been one of evolution rather than revolution - even if players will also move on for the first time under Howe
Eddie Howe drops hint on Newcastle United's summer spending plans and insists there is 'ambition'
Eddie Howe has dropped a hint over Newcastle United's spending power this summer with the Financial Fair Play rules set to impact the next window.
Howe spent £91million in January and there have been reports that this summer's budget could be even less, although a similar spending spree to the winter window would not be against the rules and there are loan deals and free transfers to factor in too. But Howe is preparing an important trading period.
Speaking at his Press conference ahead of Monday's clash with Arsenal, Howe said: "FFP does impact what we can do in the summer but it doesn't mean we're totally without ambition. We're well aware that we have to change the squad and we have to make improvements but it's going to be a difficult balance."
Some Newcastle players may say farewell vs Arsenal as Eddie Howe admits it will be 'emotional'
Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle United's final home game of the season will be an 'emotional experience' for some of his players as they potentially bid farewell to St James' Park.
Although no one left the club on a permanent basis in Howe's first window in charge last January, players will depart in the coming months. It will be a summer of evolution rather than revolution on Tyneside but selling players will help generate funds to enable Newcastle to spend more within the confines of financial and sustainability regulations and, also, allow the Magpies to make room for new arrivals at a time when the club's wage to turnover ratio is already around 65%.
Howe, himself, admitted on Sunday that he is 'sure there will be be players that will move on, who have represented the club in a brilliant way'. A number of individuals are still on long-term contracts from the Ashley era and have young families settled in the area so it remains to be seen just who will look to move on, but Ciaran Clark, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis missed out on a place in the 25-man squad for the second half of the season while Dwight Gayle, Federico Fernandez, Matt Ritchie and Karl Darlow have not featured as much as they would have liked since Howe came in.
Eddie Howe’s big Ryan Fraser boost and pre-season bonus announced for Elliot Anderson
Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser could yet make a return in the Magpies’ final two games of the season. The Scotland winger limped off against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and has not been seen since.
But with Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey injured and our for the rest of the season, Fraser could offer a midfield alternative. Howe said: “The good news is Ryan has trained and he is back in contention. Both Joe and Jonjo have injuries but will be back with his pre-season.
“Ryan returned to training yesterday - which has been great to see - and has trained very well. Fingers crossed that he’s fine.”
