Newcastle have ‘shot ahead of schedule’ with top-four finish – Eddie Howe

AHEAD OF SCHEDULE: Eddie Howe celebrates after Newcastle clinch Champions League qualification. Pic: Owen Humphreys/PA

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted Champions League qualification was not even in his thoughts as he embarked upon the new Premier League campaign.

The Magpies secured a top-four finish and a return to the big stage for the first time since the 2002-03 season with a 0-0 draw against Leicester on Monday evening to complete a remarkable turnaround.