Newcastle United transformed from relegation concerns to winning the Carabao Cup within a few years post-PIF takeover. Key victories and strategic signings under Eddie Howe revitalized the club, culminating in their first major trophy in 55 years. This shift has reinvigorated local support and set a promising trajectory for the club’s future.
DUBAI: January 22, 2021, may not be memorable for all football fans, but it holds great significance for supporters of Newcastle United. With only 15 minutes remaining in a match against Leeds United, Newcastle was struggling in a disappointing Premier League season. Jonjo Shelvey changed that with a crucial 1-0 victory, marking a pivotal point in the team’s season and future.
Before the victory, Newcastle found themselves trapped in the relegation zone, having secured just one win in their previous 20 matches. This win against Leeds ignited an impressive run, leading to five wins in six matches and eventually ensuring a comfortable finish in 11th place that season. Manager Eddie Howe transformed the team’s fortunes after the sale of the club by long-time owner Mike Ashley.
Three years later, Howe celebrated a significant achievement with fans at Wembley following a 2-1 victory against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. This triumph marked Newcastle’s first major trophy in 55 years, a testament to the faith shown by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which completed its takeover of the club on October 7, 2021.
PIF pursued Newcastle for over a year, alongside Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers. Their objective extended beyond improving the football team; they aimed to rejuvenate the local community surrounding St. James’ Park in this one-club city. The first step was hiring Howe, whose successful tenure at Bournemouth convinced PIF of his capability.
Howe took charge on November 8, 2021, and identified the necessity to build a squad that could secure Premier League survival and ultimately challenge elite clubs. The signings made were strategic rather than extravagant, including Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Matt Targett, and Dan Burn. The standout acquisition was Bruno Guimaraes from Olympique Lyon, who quickly endeared himself to fans.
Under Howe, players such as Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, and Miguel Almiron regained their form, having previously struggled. By skillfully avoiding relegation in the second half of the 2021-22 season, the club prepared for the next phase of competition, strengthening the team with notable signings like goalkeeper Nick Pope and defender Sven Botman.
Newcastle’s success continued into the 2022-23 season, leading the club to its first major cup final since 1998. Although they lost to Manchester United at Wembley, the season concluded positively with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the next season.
In the subsequent season, balancing Premier League and European competition proved challenging, yet Newcastle showcased potential with a remarkable victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Despite not advancing further in the Champions League and finishing seventh in the league, the stage was set for memorable moments ahead.
A series of impressive performances culminated in a Carabao Cup semi-final victory, setting Newcastle up for a chance at redemption against Liverpool. On March 16, fans created an electrifying atmosphere in London leading up to the final. Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn’s goals secured a 2-1 win, resulting in jubilation for supporters and a celebration of a triumph that had been 55 years in the making, transforming the club’s fortunes since the dark days of early 2021.
Newcastle United’s journey reflects an extraordinary transformation from relegation struggles to a major cup victory. Under Eddie Howe’s leadership and with the backing of PIF, the club revitalized not only its team but also its local community. Strategic signings and a focus on player development forged a formidable squad. The Carabao Cup win symbolizes a new era for Newcastle, highlighting the remarkable turnaround achieved in just over two years.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
