Newcastle United returns to Champions League after 20 years following draw vs Leicester City

In agreement that Newcastle United had advanced sooner than many anticipated, Eddie Howe praised the club's "amazing achievement" in making it to the Champions League. After a 0-0 draw against Leicester City at home, Newcastle is going to finish in the top four in the Premier League and, for the very first time in twenty years, will face off against the top teams in Europe.

The primary goal was to retain Newcastle United in the Premier League following Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund acquired an 80% stake in the North East club in October 2021, ending Mike Ashley's miserable 14-year reign. Steve Bruce was swiftly ousted and substituted by Howe because Newcastle was 19th in the standings and winless when the latter took over.

Newcastle didn't record a league victory before the 15th game of the last campaign, but thanks to some shrewd acquisitions like right-back Kieran Trippier of England, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes of Brazil, and defender Dan Burn, Newcastle's gloomy season finally started to clear and then they ultimately finished 11th, and this season the club's enthusiasm was unwavering.

At the beginning of the season, they started turning a run of draws into victories, along with the sole exception of a midseason downturn when the goals stopped coming, Newcastle have served as a model of consistency. They finished above Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, which speaks volumes about Howe's influence. He can now start making plans for the next move and think about what he needs to bring and improve for next season.

Eddie Howe spoke about he has a lot to prove and the celebrations he might have for getting the side Champions League football next season. He said, “I still have a lot to prove, but I've always hoped to bring success here. I'm not sure how I'll celebrate, but I hope it's not with a cup of tea and a biscuit."

The English manager then spoke about how special the Champions League is and how it’s very special to be part of this achievement. He said, “The Champions League is the best competition to be in, to break into that monopoly is quite something. Although I'm not outwardly emotional, inwardly I am. It's very special to be part of something very special that will hopefully be talked about for years to come. It's been an amazing season."