Newcastle have gone from Premier League relegation fodder to European challengers and Carabao Cup finalists in less than 18 months under new ownership. Around £250million has been invested in the playing squad since the takeover and The Magpies currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.
Eddie Howe’s side have recently lost the Carabao Cup final 2-0 to Manchester United. Despite not being able to end the club’s 54 year trophy drought, it was a first major final at Wembley Stadium in 24 years.
Mike Ashley sold Newcastle United to PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media for £305million. And the club has been transformed since.
Here are 31 key moments since the takeover...
5. December 4 2021: Newcastle pick up first Premier League win
After starting the season with a 14 game winless run, Newcastle finally picked up their first win of the campaign and first win under new ownership as Callum Wilson’s strike secured a 1-0 triumph over relegation rivals Burnley. No team had ever stayed up after failing to win any of their opening 14 games, but this would be the season where Newcastle bucked the trend. Photo: Ian MacNicol
6. December 6-9 2021: Sports Direct signage removed at St James’s Park
Mike Ashley was gone but the unsightly Sports Direct logos were still emblazoned across all areas of St James’s Park almost as a mocking stain of his 14 year ownership. But two months after the takeover, the signage was finally taken down at St James’ Park - a liberating move from the owners. Photo: Stu Forster
7. January 8 2022: FA Cup humiliation
It wasn’t quite plain sailing during the opening months of the new ownership and Eddie Howe’s tenure as manager. A difficult run of results over the festive period peaked with a 1-0 FA Cup third round humiliation to League One side Cambridge United in front of a sold out St James’ Park. But the fact The Magpies were able to sell out the stadium for a early round cup match against lower-level opposition showed a new-found hunger amongst the fan base. The result was a low point in the season, but also something of a turning point as Howe’s side would lose just one more game at home. Photo: Stu Forster
8. January 23-29 2022: Saudi Arabia visit
A trip that Eddie Howe has highlighted as a turning point in Newcastle’s season. A PR opportunity for the club under new ownership but also a crucial change for players to bond and unify heading into a crucial final few months of the season. Heading out to Saudi Arabia on the back of a vital 1-0 win at Leeds kept the feel good factor growing as Newcastle put together a fine run of form on their return. | NUFC TV