Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe believes his team can achieve "great things" despite the constraints of financial rules in the Premier League. The Magpies, who are eighth in the table, look to upset the status quo with a win against third-placed Aston Villa on Sunday.
Clubs that spend the most on wages have traditionally picked up the most points per game, but Newcastle and Aston Villa have bucked that trend in recent years. The Toffees have the sixth-biggest salary bill in the top flight, while Newcastle's wage expenditure is eighth.
Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025, while Aston Villa followed suit in 2024. Both teams are bidding to do so again this season and could move up to fourth with a victory if results elsewhere go their way.
Howe, who has been at the helm since November 2019, believes that his team can still achieve great things despite being hampered by financial constraints. "People much cleverer than me will say that the wage bill follows the league position," he said. "But I can't think that way."
"We have got to think differently and find ways to still win games," Howe continued. "That will always be my belief, and that was my belief from day one in management. Football is played on the pitch - not with the money."
The Newcastle boss also acknowledged that his team has a long way to go in terms of revenue compared to rivals like Liverpool, who generated £367m more than Newcastle last season. However, Howe remains optimistic about his team's chances and believes that they can still achieve great things despite their financial limitations.
Overall, Newcastle will look to cause an upset against Aston Villa on Sunday, but it's clear that the Magpies' long-term prospects are hampered by financial constraints. Whether or not Howe's team can overcome those challenges remains to be seen.
Clubs that spend the most on wages have traditionally picked up the most points per game, but Newcastle and Aston Villa have bucked that trend in recent years. The Toffees have the sixth-biggest salary bill in the top flight, while Newcastle's wage expenditure is eighth.
Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025, while Aston Villa followed suit in 2024. Both teams are bidding to do so again this season and could move up to fourth with a victory if results elsewhere go their way.
Howe, who has been at the helm since November 2019, believes that his team can still achieve great things despite being hampered by financial constraints. "People much cleverer than me will say that the wage bill follows the league position," he said. "But I can't think that way."
"We have got to think differently and find ways to still win games," Howe continued. "That will always be my belief, and that was my belief from day one in management. Football is played on the pitch - not with the money."
The Newcastle boss also acknowledged that his team has a long way to go in terms of revenue compared to rivals like Liverpool, who generated £367m more than Newcastle last season. However, Howe remains optimistic about his team's chances and believes that they can still achieve great things despite their financial limitations.
Overall, Newcastle will look to cause an upset against Aston Villa on Sunday, but it's clear that the Magpies' long-term prospects are hampered by financial constraints. Whether or not Howe's team can overcome those challenges remains to be seen.
. He's got a point, football is played on the pitch and all that. Its not just about throwing cash around and hoping for the best 
. Newcastle might not have the biggest budget, but if they can find ways to outsmart their opponents and play smartly, I think they've got a shot at causing an upset against Aston Villa 
. Plus, its good to see Howe's been in charge since 2019 and he's still confident about his team's chances 
.
... like Liverpool, for example. £367m more in revenue than Newcastle is insane! Meanwhile, teams that are actually struggling financially, like Newcastle, can still make the Champions League 
. Its not fair on the fans and its not how the game should be played. I hope they can somehow defy the odds and do some great things despite all this 
. It's like life, right? We can't control everything around us, but we can control how we react to it. And sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of innovation and hard work to achieve greatness 
.
! Like, Newcastle has been doing some crazy stuff lately and I think they've got what it takes to take down Aston Villa 
. I mean, Eddie Howe is all about thinking differently and finding ways to win games, which I am HERE. FOR 
! Of course, it's not gonna be easy - they've got a long way to go in terms of revenue compared to top teams like Liverpool 
! Maybe we'll even get some surprises 
!
so i think newcastle united is proof that u dont need as much dosh 2 dominate in prem 
️ financially wise, they're still rockin it w/ a smaller wage bill 8th & still managed 2 qualify for the champions league 
. its not about how much u spend but how u strategize 2 win games 
. still gotta root 4 the underdogs 
he's all about being positive and believing in his team even when everyone else thinks they're beaten. it's like, yeah the finances might be tight but we still got heart 
and determination. and honestly, who says you need to break the bank to win games? tactics, teamwork, and a bit of luck can take you a long way 
i'm rooting for newcastle against aston villa on sunday! 
. I mean, sure, having a bigger wage bill can give you an edge on paper, but if your team's playing with heart and soul, that counts for something 
. That's what makes him so cool, in my opinion 
. let's hope they can pull off an upset on sunday and show everyone what they're capable of 
. Still, you've got to respect Howe for his confidence - he's got a great attitude about finding ways to win games without relying on huge wage bills 
and yeah, their revenue might be lacking compared to top dogs like liverpool 
️ now let's see if they can pull off the upset against aston villa on sunday 
! I mean, think about it, if they can still qualify for the Champions League despite not breakin' the bank, that's like, total genius 
. Howe's right, football is played on the pitch, not with the money – let's keep it real, folks! 
. it's not easy being in his shoes, but he's got that fire 
and i'm rooting for him and the magpies to cause an upset against astron villa on sunday! 
400 million pounds more than them last season?! That's just not right. I mean, I get that it's all about profit and stuff, but can't they just find a way to make it work without breaking the bank every year?