Paul Merson shares Eddie Howe story and explains why NUFC's European dream could be on

Paul Merson believes there's no reason why Newcastle United can't qualify for Europe this season, revealing how impressed he's been by our approach on and off the pitch since the takeover.

He feels the sign of a good manager is their ability to get the best out of players; something Eddie Howe has delivered in style based on the drastic improvement we've seen from the likes of Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Fabian Schar.

Unlike those in the media who feel we've bought our way to form, Merson recognises the brilliant job Howe has done with a host of players who weren't performing pre-takeover, also praising our "excellent" recruitment and "sensible" approach to transfers.

The Sky Sports pundit also reveals that he was once invited into one of Howe's team meetings at Bournemouth, explaining how impressed he was by the message the 44-year-old got across to his players; suggesting he's not just an ever-improving tactician and workaholic, but also a very good man manager.

Here's what Merson had to say in his latest column for the Daily Star:

“There's no reason why Newcastle can't go all the way and qualify for Europe. I have been so impressed with how they've approached the takeover.

“They haven't started splashing loads of money because they have a lorry load of cash. It's been sensible business and steady progress. As soon as you sign someone for £80million the players that have been there will go 'well, what about us, how much is he on?'

“The recruitment has been excellent. You only have to look at Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier, who have both been outstanding. Eddie Howe has got something about him.”

“He let me come into one of his team meetings down at Bournemouth a few years ago and I was so impressed with the message he got across to his players.

“Miguel Almiron has been brilliant this season and that's where you see good, good managers - when they improve players.

“Who knows what can happen? It's a season like no other. Arsenal got slaughtered by Leeds in the second half and they can't seem to win a football match.”