Eddie Howe credits summer addition for turnaround in fortunes at Newcastle United

Last season Newcastle United must have felt like they'd made the wrong choice when faced with selecting the Holy Grail such was their relentless injury curse.

The seemingly never-ending run of injuries coincided with Newcastle's return to the Champions League and playing three games a week on a regular basis.

It was likely not a coincidence that the increased workload came along at the same time as a run of injuries, but Howe is reluctant to point the finger at just one thing.

In the same vein, he is also reluctant to single out just one reason for a change in fortunes this season, but he has acknowledged that one man has made a difference.

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Eddie Howe has credited James Bunce for a decrease in injuries so far this season

Speaking to reporters on Friday (via The Chronicle), Howe was asked about how they appear to be having better luck in terms of injuries this season.

"I'm reluctant to give a clear answer to that because you don't want to tempt fate. At the minute we're looking pretty good, still nursing a few injuries bit I think t's a combination of things.

"As I said last season, when we were getting injuries, it wasn't just one thing - if it was it would be easier to fix. Our schedule has definitely played a part in that. We're playing less games, the games are the ones that produce the most fatigue, and we're working smarter.

"James Bunce has came in and had positive impact. Lots of little things that are helping us keep the players on the pitch."

Paul Mitchell brought in James Bunce to do the same for Newcastle as he did for Monaco

James Bunce was brought in by Paul Mitchell this summer to monitor the players' workload and to reduce the number of injuries. It's something he did to great effect for Monaco under Mitchell and it appears to be working so far at Newcastle.

Bunce's demands are likely at odds with Eddie Howe's love of high intensity, but something had to give after last season.

We'll reserve full judgement until the end of the season but it's so far so good from Bunce when it comes to injuries.