Eddie Howe has told Newcastle fans the dream of a trophy-laden future has not necessarily died but warned it is going to take “a lot, lot, longer” to fulfil. He admitted he did not know whether he would be the manager in the 10 years or so now needed to lift the club to the highest echelons.
After a month-long pursuit of a £65m deal for Crystal Palace’s England defender Marc Guéhi ended in disappointment, Howe was left with only two outfield signings. It is fair to say the arrival Lloyd Kelly, a free defensive recruit from Bournemouth, and William Osula, a £10m forward from Sheffield United regarded as one for the future, has underwhelmed supporters.
