Tim Sherwood has backtracked on his previous prediction and believes Newcastle could ‘do a Blackburn’ and win the Premier League in the next few years.
The Magpies looked dead and buried at the turn of the year, sitting 19th in the Premier League table. And that was despite Eddie Howe replacing the beleaguered Steve Bruce in the dugout on November 8. The Tynesiders managed to draw 1-1 with Manchester United on December 27 and had won just one top-flight game up to that point.
After that match, Sherwood gave his thoughts on the club’s survival hopes – and they were none too complimentary.
“I give them no chance whatsoever. I just think they’re not good enough defensively, the manager has not got a magic wand,” he told Premier League Productions.
“I’m not sure they’re going to be able to get the players to hit the ground running in January.”
However, he could not have been more wrong. A productive winter window saw them win six and draw two of their next eight games.
That helped the north-east outfit move clear of the relegation zone before they hit the buffers with three straight losses. But Howe has revived his charges and guided them to four consecutive wins.
Newcastle now sit ninth in the table, with 43 points from 34 games. It has been a remarkable turnaround.
Previously unheralded stars such as Joelinton have raised their game. And there is even an outside chance they might pip Wolves to eighth spot.
Sherwood sees echoes of Blackburn glory
Sherwood was part of the Blackburn Rovers side that won the 1994-1995 Premier League title. Backed by owner Jack Walker and including players such as Alan Shearer, they finished one point clear of Manchester United.
Newcastle now have the funds to bring in superstar players over the next few years. And Sherwood sees no reason why they should not follow a similar route to the Ewood Park outfit.
“It looks very exciting for now, it looks like Eddie has kept them up. They’re going to spend some…