Ex-Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan says it would be a “massive achievement” if his former club qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive season.

Nolan claims it will be a big challenge for manager Eddie Howe and his team, especially because clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea have spent sizeable sums in the transfer market over the summer:

“It’s going to be a difficult season because it’s new for everybody, but also I think when you’re expecting Champions League year-in, year-out, you look at the money Liverpool have just spent and they’re out of it this year, Chelsea have just spent and they’re out of it.”

“It’s going to be a massive achievement for them to go again and I think they’ve built on what they have as a squad. I don’t think they’ve thrown money here, there and everywhere.”

“I would say they’ve been low-key considering what I expected once the takeover happened. I’d hope he’d be given time, and that’s what we want. We want to see that, we want to see good English managers getting opportunities to stay in jobs.”

A poor start has given Newcastle a mountain to climb

Losing 3 of their first 4 games will certainly not help the Magpies’ cause of finishing in the top 4/5 this campaign.

When you consider that Manchester City are already 9 points ahead of them, and the likes of  Tottenham, Liverpool, West Ham and Arsenal have a 7-point advantage, it will be an uphill task getting back in contention.

A result against Brentford is crucial to get back on track

Eddie Howe’s team really need to secure a win in their match at St James’ Park this weekend to put their bad start behind them.

Securing the 3 points against the Bees won’t be easy though. Thomas Frank’s side are unbeaten this season, having won once and drawn 3 of their first 4 fixtures. They are not as strong away from home, though, so Newcastle will still be favourites heading into the match.

Who were the winners and losers from the summer transfer window? Watch this video on Shots! TV