Eddie Howe says 'evolved' Newcastle United squad is ready for new season

Newcastle United's squad hasn't changed much in terms of personnel this summer, at least not as much as fans had hoped it would.

Outgoings have been far from what we expected to see with some players still hanging around the club that should have been let go two years ago.

Meanwhile, in terms of incomings, things have been very slow in that regard. No real statement signing has been made and the one big deal the club has been working on is dragging on more than a Donald Trump court case, that of course being the Marc Guehi saga.

However, that's not to say that there hasn't been a change to the squad beyond that.

Getty Images

Eddie Howe says his squad is always improving

When speaking to the media this morning (h/t The Chronicle), Eddie Howe spoke about how, while not in terms of actual changes to the playing squad, the club has evolved.

"We have evolved the squad, that is not always necessarily in terms of personnel. We’re trying to do that all the time. We’re trying to add layers to our game. We’re trying to improve. I think we have done that in pre-season. Obviously, the proof will be in what we deliver going into the season. I think the players we have here and the squad we have is in a good place and ready to play."

Eddie Howe's track record of improving players is why he's so heavily linked with England. The transformation of players like Joelinton, Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall have been phenomenal, and he's improved every single player that's come into the club.

We still need new bodies in

So while it might look like stagnation on paper, the fact that Howe is constantly improving the crop of players we have does mean that new additions aren't always necessary.

That being said, every player will hit a wall and some of ours have definitely done that, so those who should be moved on, and we all know who they are, still need to be moved on.

Similarly, new players will give us an extra boost so what Howe said is not an excuse for the club to put their chequebook away.