LONDON — Eddie Howe says
Newcastle is stronger after
their signings in the January transfer window but admits "nothing is done
on paper" as they prepare to re-focus on their Premier League survival
bid.
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Forward Chris Wood, midfielder
Bruno Guimaraes and defenders
Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett all arrived at St James' Park last
month to bolster the team, who sit second from bottom of the English
top-flight.
Newcastle boss Howe said he was pleased with his business in
the first transfer window since the Saudi-led takeover of the club in October.
"I think we definitely end the window stronger as a
team, as a squad," he said at his press conference on the eve of Tuesday's
home match against Everton.
"Signing five players seems a lot on the surface but I
think we've been able to drip-feed players into the team, not have to do it all
at once," he added.
Trippier and Wood have already featured in
Premier League
matches against Watford and Leeds and all five of the new signings could be
involved against Everton.
"It feels like we've strengthened the group, we haven't
destabilised the team, which can be a very dangerous thing when you're bringing
five in at once," said Howe.
But the Newcastle manager said the proof would be on the
pitch.
"Nothing is done on paper," he said. "The
additions we've made I really like. I really like the players we've brought in.
I think they've got outstanding individual qualities but also I think the most
important thing with every player we've signed is they're very good people.
They've got a winning mentality. I think they are leaders in their own
right."
Howe batted away suggestions he was under increased pressure
as a result of his big spending in the transfer window.
"I'm under no illusions as the manager of this huge
club but I'm always going to be in the firing line," he said.
Howe also revealed that forward
Callum Wilson faces a battle
to be fit before the end of the season.
Wilson, who has scored six goals during the current
campaign, was expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks after suffering a
calf injury during the 1-1 draw with
Manchester United on December 27.
However, Howe admitted the striker might be missing for
significantly longer, saying he was making "slow progress".
"I don't think it's going to be short-term," he
said. "Hopefully he can make the last few games of the season and really
help us in the key moment."
Wilson's lengthy absence is a big blow to the Magpies, who
invested £25 million ($34 million) last month in Burnley forward Wood, but
failed in their attempts to further boost their firepower as their pursuit of
Manchester United's Jesse Lingard and Reims' Hugo Ekitike came to nothing.
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