Shay Given has backed Eddie Howe to guide Newcastle United to the Premier League title.
Former goalkeeper Given, who made 354 Premier League appearances for Newcastle between 1997 and 2009, lauded the former Bournemouth boss for the work he has done at St James’ Park since he took the job in November 2021.
Howe took over a Newcastle side that were struggling massively in the Premier League and successfully guided them well away from danger last term amid fears of relegation after a poor start under Steve Bruce, as they ended up finishing 11th.
And things have gone even better this term, with Newcastle third in the Premier League table after their opening 14 games in what has been a fantastic start.
The Magpies have flexed their financial muscles since a Saudi-backed consortium completed a £300m takeover of the club in October 2021, brining in players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly warned in the summer that Newcastle will join the traditional Premier League ‘big six’ to form a new ‘big seven’ due to their spending power.
Given feels that Newcastle will be able to challenge for the Premier League title in the near future under Englishman Howe, who was crowned Football League Manager of the Decade at Bournemouth, where he achieved three promotions.
‘Why can’t he win the title with the club?’ Given told Mega Casino. ‘When he first got the job, people were saying that he would be a short term option.
‘I think many people expected him to steady the ship for a season or two because Newcastle were in big trouble when he went in there, but he’s done that and more.
‘I think the board will be thinking that they have the right guy in charge and that he should lead the club on this journey for a number of years.
‘Newcastle need to take things step by step.
‘If Newcastle can finish in the Champions League places this season it would be a phenomenal achievement and the next step on from that would be to challenge for the Premier League title.’
Since the Premier League’s formation in 1992, Newcastle’s best seasons have come in 1995-96 and 1996-67 when they finished second in the table – and they also achieved top-four finishes in 1993-94, 2001-02 and 2002-03.
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