Newcastle United were in a bleak situation when Eddie Howe was appointed in November. Despite fan excitement reaching an all-time high in the aftermath of the Saudi-backed takeover, the Magpies were a mess on the field.
A frustrating 1-1 draw away at Brighton left Newcastle five points from safety and joint-bottom of the Premier League. Not only that, the club were winless and jibes from rival supporters about becoming the richest club in the Championship looked like a real possibility.
However, a dramatic turnaround since the New Year has propelled United up the table and 10 points clear of the drop zone. It would be ignorant to suggest new-found wealth is the sole reason behind the Magpies’ emphatic U-turn in form; it has certainly helped, but the resurgence of players whose days looked numbered at St James’ Park deserves just as much credit.
