​On initial inspection, Newcastle United do not seem to be in as strong position as at this time last year.Back in mid-July 2025, we had another Champions League campaign on the horizon after an EPL fifth place finish and also looking to build on the Carabao Cup success of four months earlier.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs the players returned for pre-season it certainly looked like everything was positive.But last summer had a dramatic twist before a ball was even kicked, so much time and focus on the Alexander Isak saga.In addition, the recruitment plans that Eddie Howe had hoped for never materialised.The only positive aspect from the Isak farce was that he was sold for around twice as much as we paid for him.As the players returned this month for pre-season training, they do so without Trippier, Gordon, Tonali, Krafth and Ramsdale, to name only the major players who have not come back to the club.But what we do have this coming season is opportunity.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe opportunity to allow Lewis Mikey a run of games and the chance to develop.I can see great similarities between Lewis Miley and Elliott Anderson, who with a good run in a poor to average Nottingham Forest team has developed to become almost indispensable for England.There is also Yoane Wissa who came to us as a proven Premier League goal scorer but struggled to repeat his Brentford form, instantly picking up a serious injury and struggling to get properly match fit after coming back too early by his own admission. He is now coming back after a good World Cup and scoring goals.In addition, we do have three young new signings so far and a chance to work out how best to use Nick Woltemade.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring the Newcastle United development since the takeover, the one constant is that everyone Eddie Howe has worked with has become a better player during his stewardship.Perhaps we should not get too upset as players reject us for “bigger” clubs as that is a reality of life, those with deeper pockets will generally be able to pick up what look the better players.And while changes to the financial playing field did not allow us to follow the Manchester City blueprint, we need to continue to chip away at the gap over the next few seasons and continue the policy of signing young talent, while also developing those already working their way through our system.I do not see us being a bottom half of the table side this coming season.Source