If there’s one positive to come from Newcastle United failing to qualify for European football next season, it is surely the reduced schedule that awaits.
Clearly, it’s difficult to put a good spin on Manchester United denying Newcastle entry into the Europa Conference League by winning the FA Cup.
Having come so close to European qualification after such an arduous campaign last time out, falling at the final hurdle is obviously hugely disappointing.
However, stretching though it may be, it does at least lighten the load for Eddie Howe and his squad.
The season just gone was absolutely dominated by an injury crisis that refused to relent.
The squad was stretched in almost every way imaginable and while it does require investigation, there’s simply nothing you can do about bad luck.
Indeed, Harvey Barnes suffering a freak foot injury the club’s medical staff had never seen in football before can hardly be legislated for ahead of time.
What the injury crisis certainly did do, was expose some of the flaws in Howe’s squad.
That’s not to say the players who were thrust into the spotlight did particularly badly or anything but even the most downbeat of supporters would surely admit the club would have had a better season had everyone been fit.
That lack of strength in depth was something club legend Shay Given has noted upon.
Shay Given names one of Newcastle’s biggest problems
Speaking to The Northern Echo, Given talked of how obvious it was that Newcastle’s younger squad players just couldn’t cope with the demands.
“No disrespect to the kids because their time will come but at times this season Eddie turned to his bench and there was a group of kids behind him,” he said.
“This season will have taught Eddie and the owners that strength in depth is key to compete on all fronts.”
Newcastle are already looking to build a bigger squad
The club areconfident about signing both Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo on free transfers from Bournemouth and Fulham respectively, so that feels like progress when it comes to bolstering the defence.
They are also reportedly on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, with Martin Dubrakva seemingly heading for the exit doors.
Sandro Tonali will also return at some point to give more options to the midfield, which is another bonus.
Slowly but surely, it seems Newcastle’s squad is indeed getting stronger.
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