my point is they haven't gotten into the top 4 by being frugal.
They've spent, and they've spent big.
The other PL clubs voted to tighten spending rules after the takeover, so it's very possible they are spending what they can, rather than staying well within themselves.
They're just another club that's bought their way into the top 4/5/6/7, which doesn't make eddie howe a worse manager, but neither does it make them tightwad upstarts rattling the PL hegemony.
Newcastle's most expensive signing is Isak who doesn't even make the top 20 most expensive signings. They could outspend anyone in the league including Man City but as yet they haven't.
Who in their team would you say was a truly world class acquisition ? Imo none of them.
West Ham and Forest spent within 1 to 2 million of what Newcastle spent in the last year.
Of course their resources will take them up the league but there are no guarantees.
Leeds 20 years ago tried and spent the best part of two decades trying to recover. Chelsea have spent a staggering £500 M+ this season and won't even finish in the top half.
Everton have thrown loads at it and for the 2nd consecutive season have flirted with relegation.
Man United have spent fortunes since Fergie retired but have struggled to justify their outlay.
You can be contrary all you like, but imo Howe has gelled a team, created team spirit, got the fans onside and thus far as done a better job than more illustrious names at other big clubs.
Considering what they are capable of doing I will stand by the fact they have been measured in their rise to the top. They haven't bought a single player yet who I thought ' wow'
Money is a huge factor in football but it still needs more than just deep pockets.