"The club's come a long way" - Howe on takeover anniversary

The Magpies return to St. James' Park, aiming for back-to-back Premier League victories after an impressive 4-1 away win against Fulham last weekend, and Howe hinted Allan Saint-Maximin could return from a hamstring injury, sustained during a 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in August, to face Thomas Frank's Bees (kick-off 3pm BST).

Alexander Isak looks set to miss this weekend's game, with the Swedish forward continuing his recovery from a thigh injury picked up on international duty while Joelinton, an unused substitute against the Cottagers, could be reinstated into the starting eleven. 

With the club marking the one-year anniversary of the takeover on Friday, Howe was full of praise for the work completed on and off the pitch within the past 12 months.

Here's some of the key points addressed by the United boss in his pre-match media briefing on Friday morning...  

On the anniversary of the club's takeover:

"The club's come a long way. The positivity, first and foremost, is what hit me coming into the club and everyone connected with the club in terms of the takeover and what may lie ahead for the club in the future.

"That positivity is still there and I think that's a very difficult thing to keep. Everyone behind the scenes has done a very good job in terms of putting the building blocks in place for what the club needs for long-term success.

"It's hugely important because without those structures in place, the long-term success isn't going to happen. First of all, you need good people in the right positions with a long-term plan and they need the freedom to execute that.

"Everyone is under pressure but not consistent pressure everyday because you have to make the right decisions for the long-term. There's a lot of work going on behind-the-scenes to improve everything that we deliver for our current players and the players we'll have as we continue to exist. I'm very positive about the future."

The injury updates of Allan Saint-Maximin, Alexander Isak and Joelinton:

"He's (Allan) doing okay. He trained well this week and we're pleased with him. He's making good progress. There's a chance he could be in the squad.

"It's unknown at the minute. He's presenting very well and running on grass. He's increasing his speed so he's in a good place. The medical team are just holding him back slightly from any more than that so hopefully it won't be too long.

"Joelinton has trained this week and he's fine for tomorrow."

On the potential return of midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who has been sidelined since July after suffering a hamstring injury during the Magpies'  Eusebio Cup defeat against Benfica in Lisbon:

"Jonjo's ahead of schedule. He's hopefully going to be involved with us today in training for the first time. There will still be a bit of caution from me and the medical team as to when he's ready to play but he's certainly making positive strides at the moment.

"Sometimes you can take them for granted when you're with them everyday and performing in the team. When they're not there, you suddenly miss their skills and expertise. Jonjo has got real strengths for us that, when he's in the team and playing well, we miss.

"His range of passing and eye for a pass is at the very highest level."

On Joe Willock, who registered two assists against Fulham in an impressive individual display, and Howe's midfield selection headache:

"I think there's a huge amount to come. He's got all the tools. Athletically and technically, he's very good. As he showed when he first came to the club, he has an eye for goal. Although we haven't quite seen that fall into place yet this season, I believe it will.

"We're working with him consistently on different aspects of his game but he's been really receptive to that work so I think he's in a very good place.

"It was a problem I had last season over a long period of time where the consistency and selection was there because the performances were so high. It's a nice problem for me to have because I haven't had that a lot this season.

"It's nice to have some strength returning to the group now and that's going to be pivotal as there are a lot of games to come."

On missing his first game since his appointment as Newcastle head coach, against Brentford, in November after testing positive for COVID-19 on the eve of the Premier League encounter:

"It still lives with me today. That 90 minutes was the most stressful 90 minutes I've ever had. I was out of contact with my team and even trying to communicate with the coaching team was incredibly difficult.

"You're reactive to things which are happening and you're picking it up minutes after it has happened. I have to give credit to my coaching team and the players as it was an important point for us, looking back with hindsight. 

"At the time, it may have been two points dropped but I think was one gained, with three goals scored and a very good atmosphere."

On Miguel Almirón, who netted a brace against Fulham last weekend and will be targeting a 100th Premier League start for the Magpies against Brentford: 

"I'd say every player is a confidence player but may be some more than others. I think Miggy is mentally very strong. When you look back at his career and the challenges that he's faced, with the different countries he has played in, full credit to him for that journey.

"He arrives here now, mentally, in the best place he's ever been. Certainly during his pre-season form, I thought he was outstanding. He's taken that now into the earlier part of the season and I think there's a lot more to come.

"I'm excited by what he can deliver but, even when he's not scoring, he still delivers so much for the team that maybe goes unnoticed."