Howe focused for final five-game run

NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe has branded the Magpies' run-in as a "five-game league" as he aims to clinch a place in the Champions League for the second time in the space of three seasons.

- LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle United writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

Only Sir Bobby Robson has managed to net a place in the Champions League twice when he managed fourth and third in 2002 and 2003.

However, a disastrous play-off exit followed for Robson against Partizan Belgrade in a game that many feel was the beginning of the end for the ex-England boss as millions were squandered on a penalty shoot-out defeat.

But now, Howe is aiming to write another positive chapter in the club's history books by guiding Newcastle to the recently-introduced 36-team Swiss-style Champions League.