Howe calls on Newcastle to use spirit of Robson to inspire win over PSV

Eddie Howe encouraged his Newcastle team to channel the legacy of ex-manager Bobby Robson ahead of their key Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven.

Bobby Robson had a prosperous two year period leading PSV in the 1990s, before wrapping up his coaching days with a five year run at Newcastle from 1999 to 2004.

The previous England manager claimed the Dutch league title twice with PSV, and even though he did not secure any honours at Newcastle, he is still warmly regarded by fans at both sides.

We are fully conscious of the link to Sir Bobby, Howe explained to journalists on Tuesday.

Diligence, structure, pushing right to the finish, refusing to quit, and honouring the supporters by upholding the clubs standards properly, those were ideals he embraced.

He desired his squads to connect deeply with the audience and deliver maximum effort during games. That is our intention too.

From the moment I joined, we have aimed to embody those standards. It is what the fans hope to witness.

Newcastle, placed 12th in the Champions League table at present, face PSV at home on Wednesday, after collecting 10 points across their initial six group encounters.

They are near to locking in a play off spot at minimum, yet gaining direct access to the last 16 through a top eight position poses a major hurdle, given their concluding group fixture against title holders Paris Saint Germain.

This team advances year by year. We have notched up notable successes so far, but we crave even more, stated Newcastle back Sven Botman.

We are determined to target Champions League qualification in every campaign going forward.