'I can't think that way': Eddie Howe is determined to prove 'experts' wrong with Newcastle United success
Sometimes we just have to admire Eddie Howe's mental fortitude. The Newcastle United manager always seems to find a positive spin when all those around him are losing their heads.
Even after Newcastle put in a horrible performance, Howe will always find a way to spin some positivity in interviews. It's impressive and infuriating in equal measure, as sometimes we'd just love him to tell it how it is.
However, it's definitely beneficial to have such a positive person in charge, especially in the modern game.
It's easy to point to the fact that money equals success. Many pundits and financial experts have made the connection that the clubs with the higher wage bills have more success.
Eddie Howe can't allow himself to believe that money is the be-all and end-all in football
It doesn't take an 'expert' to make that connection, but Eddie Howe is determined to make sure that's not necessarily the case, especially while Newcastle's wage bill is stifled by financial restrictions. He told reporters that he has to think differently.
"People much cleverer than me will say that the wage bill follows the league position, but I can't think that way. We have got to think differently and try and find ways to still win games to upset the status quo and finish as high as we can.
"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."
Imagine if managers just accepted reality and gave up
We have to admire that attitude, because all the facts, all the data would support the view that money does indeed equal success in the modern game, but if managers blindly followed the logic, they might as well just throw in the towel.
You could argue that money has brought Newcastle success, given our takeover has led to a massive upturn in fortunes, and of course, it has played a part, but we're still miles off the big boys thanks to PSR.
We still wouldn't say no to the shackles being removed so we could close the gap and show the world what we can do without restraints.
