Howe challenges Newcastle stars to step up

LONDON: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says the challenge of keeping his star players happy is a “two-way thing” as the club pursue an upward curve.

Newcastle have made huge strides since a Saudi-backed consortium took control three years ago but their momentum has slowed since they qualified for the 2023/24 Champions league.

England winger Anthony Gordon, however, signed a long-term deal earlier this week and Howe is also desperate to keep record signing Alexander Isak amid speculation linking the forward with a move to Arsenal.

Howe, speaking to reporters on Friday, said the new contract for Gordon “cuts out a lot of needless noise around his future”.

The Newcastle boss said it was “crucial” for the club, without a major trophy since 1969, to demonstrate to players the scale of their ambition.

“We have to have a perception of achievement, growing as a football club, not just to keep the so-called big names happy but everyone happy and going in a forward direction,” he said.