Exclusive: Barton Confident Newcastle Can Be Premier League Contenders

Former Newcastle United star Warren Barton is confident the club can be Premier League contenders in the next few years, and speaking exclusively to SportsBoom, the former England defender is convinced Eddie Howe is the perfect manager to lead them there.

Howe guided the Magpies to a commendable 11th place finish in his first season in charge with 12 wins from 18 games as the club, helping them avoid relegation from the topflight after failing to win any of their first 14 matches before his arrival, and since then the club have gone from strength-to-strength under Howe, even despite a drawn out change of ownership at St. James’ Park. 

“I really do think they can have a shot at the title, they’re definitely going in the right direction,” Barton told SportsBoom.com. 

“I’ve spoken to the new owners and they’re investing a lot behind the scenes, they’re building that foundation to challenge for titles."

“They’re going to be there or thereabouts for me, but the club is building at the moment.”

“Sir Bobby Robson always said that it was easy to get to that 80 per cent level, but it ain’t half hard to get to that extra 10 or 15 per cent."

“That’s what Newcastle need to do now, they need to find that next level and consistently find it.”

“The Academy is important; St. James’ Park is important and the education of the young players is important.”

“They’re looking at that and they’re keen to influence the calibre of players coming along.”

“It’s important to keep the big players like Anthony Gordon, whose signed a new deal, Bruno Guimaraes won’t be too far behind and players like Joelinton and Alexander Isak.”

“You have to look after the big players and build on that.”

“I remember when Sir John Hall was chairman of the club and brought in big players like Tino Asprilla, David Batty, David Ginola and Les Ferdinand, and all of a sudden you’ve got a chance of going toe-to-toe with the best in the league.”

“That’s what the owners want to do. They’re ambitious, but it’s a measured plan for success.”

“They always said they’d grab the Champions League in the first year, none of this cr*p about it’s come a bit too early and all that nonsense, no, no, no, as soon as it’s there you’ve got to take it.”

B+, Room for Improvement

Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager in November 2021 and, after his famous saviour act, he led the club to fourth in the Premier League the following season, secured Champions League football for the first time since the 2002-2003 season, and also masterminded a run to the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

“If you’re going to judge them at the moment, they’re a B+,” added Barton.

“But I think there was a lot of excitement and positivity with the new ownership coming in.”

“Eddie finished the season really well and his first full season we’ve ended up getting into the Champions League despite a lot of injuries.”

“Nick Pope, the goalkeeper, was a huge loss last season, but this season I believe the club is doing a lot of things behind the scenes to take it to another level.”

“There’s new owners and there’s obviously been in a bit of change in the boardroom as well, so you just have to wait and see how that materialises.”

“But I think what we’re seeing now with Eddie – and the players – is a team that started the season and was winning games even though they might not have played very well.”

“I think in the last couple of games Eddie has found his most competitive team and most balanced team.”

“He tried the midfield with the three big names and it didn’t really materialise, but, like any good manager, I think he’s found the right recipe and the players complement each other.”

“I think we’d all like to see Bruno further up the field, he’s not a true number six, but I think he could influence the game a lot more.”

“But I think the balance is good with Joelinton squeezing up a bit higher, then you’ve got someone like Lewis Miley who has been such a breath of fresh air.”

“It’s great Gordon has signed a new deal and then you’ve got your ‘main’ man in Isak is scoring goals.”

“You’re starting to see, after a dozen or so games, that he has found what is his most balanced team and how he wants to play.”