Ian Wright has revealed it is ‘vitally important’ to him that Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League because the Arsenal legend knows how much it would mean to Geordies.
Newcastle currently lie in third place as the Magpies bid to return to Europe’s top table for the second time in three seasons. Newcastle’s fate is in their own hands with only four games to go and Eddie Howe has stressed his side’s immediate focus has to be on getting over the line rather than the ‘consequences because the consequences are not helpful’.
The consequences of a top-five finish have been well-documented, of course. Not only would Newcastle receive a huge financial boost – qualifying for the Champions League would help the Magpies attract players, too, just as it did with Sandro Tonali a couple of years ago.
Tonali was among those who went on to play his part in Newcastle’s 4-1 win against PSG and Wright would love to see those nights return to St James’ Park.
“If they are going to try and force their way into the top five, this is a massive opportunity for them,” the former England international told Premier League Productions. “With Arsenal having other things on their mind, they can actually really have a push for second.
“If Newcastle are trying to go on the trajectory that their team are going at the moment, they do need to finish in the top five and they do then need to add to that squad. Keep players like [Alexander] Isak and bring others in.
“It’s vitally important for me if I’m totally honest that Newcastle get in the top five and then start to progress. I do a lot of Newcastle and go up there with Al [Shearer] a lot, and I know what it would mean to that town and what it would mean to everyone. You saw when they won the League Cup, how happy you are for a team. I would be very happy for Newcastle. They do need to be going to that level.”
