Newcastle United is preparing to host Champions League football at St James’ Park for the first time in 20 years.
Michael Owen has hailed Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League as a “monumental achievement”.
Newcastle has progressed rapidly on the pitch since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Partners, and RB Sports & Media appointed Eddie Howe as head coach – just over a month after the consortium purchased the club from Mike Ashley for £ 305 million.
During that 18-month period, United have gone from staring down the barrel at Premier League relegation to sealing a return to Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years, as well as reaching their first Wembley final since 1999.
Owen admits the Magpies threw people’s pre-season predictions out the window.
“Well, it’s been a rarity, hasn’t it? Success up in Newcastle in recent times has been quite rare, so this is a monumental achievement for this squad and club,” Owen said after a goalless draw to Leicester City guaranteed a Premier League top-four finish.
“No one would have said Newcastle would qualify for the Champions League at the start of the season. Europe? Maybe – could they squeeze into the 7th or 6th? That would have been a fantastic season.
“But how about that? Fourth in the league and they got to a cup final as well. It has been a brilliant season for Eddie Howe and his team. It can only leave Newcastle fans hoping, expecting, and dreaming of something even bigger next season. What a fantastic season.”
