TOON'S DEFENSIVE

Boss Howe wants return of 'band of brothers' mentality

- BY LEE RYDER

EDDIE HOWE has called on Newcastle to get back to being the “band of brothers” that shocked the Premier League and charged into the Champions League.

Three seasons ago, Howe transformed the Magpies from a team living in fear of relegation to one challenging at the business end of the table.

As his side host struggling Burnley today, and on the back of the 2-2 draw with Tottenham in which a mistake allowed Cristian Romero to shin home a late leveller, manager Howe wants the defensive doggedness to return.

The Toon boss pointed back to a photograph, still displayed at the training ground, of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar all celebrating a clean sheet. The image was also used as a banner at the Gallowgate End by fans.

Howe (right) said: “The defensive mentality has to be there. Not just for the back four and the keeper, but the whole team - we have to enjoy defending collectively.