EDDIE Howe says Newcastle United will continue to take their time with the "key decisions" that will pave the way for the "next phase" of the club's journey three years on from the takeover.

The Magpies have come an awful long way on and off the pitch since the 2021 takeover bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

But progression has slowed in the last year or so, mainly because of the battle to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, while there was a reshuffle behind the scenes during a turbulent summer.

Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan has previously outlined his desire to become "the number one club in the world" and PIF are said to be as committed as ever to the Magpies.

Head coach Howe says everyone associated with Newcastle should be proud of the progress over the course of the last 36 months but admits United still have "work to do" to become an elite side.

That includes off the field, where United's bosses are doing everything in their power to increase revenue, which will have a significant knock-on effect and help to drive the team forward on the pitch.

It was last week confirmed that Newcastle chiefs have delayed a decision on the future of St James' Park until next year, with Howe stressing the importance of the club making the right call on such significant matters.

"I can only talk about since I've been here and the support we've had internally has been brilliant from everyone at PIF, to the owners," said Howe, who arrived shortly after the takeover had been confirmed to replace Steve Bruce in the St James' Park dugout.

"And I think there's been a big change when you look at just the environment, the room we're sat in now. That doesn't happen by chance, that happens because of investment and the investment here at the training ground's has been there for everyone to see.

"Of course there's a lot of work going on with stadiums and discussions about taking the club into sort of a next phase of that takeover I think.

"The next phase of investment, which will be the long-term growth of the club and that's really the key decisions and I know that's why everyone's taking the time to try and make sure those decisions are right.

"But I think it's a really exciting time to be associated with Newcastle. I think there's a lot going to happen in the future. The dreaded words of PSR and that would just put a lid on what can be done now but I think the future looks very bright beyond that period."

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"I think we've got work to do," was the head coach's honest assessment.

"We're not there yet. I think we're well aware of where we currently stand. You know, when you look at revenue and wage bills and all the things that are sort of really key markers of long-term and consistent success, we're not there.

"So we can't sort of put that pressure on the players that we have now. It would be unfair on them to sort of restrict them in that way. I want them to play with freedom and enjoy their football and to try and take the pressure off them.

"Now that doesn't mean that we don't push them hard for winning and for the maximum of their capabilities, which we will do. But I think we have to recognise where we currently are and we're striving to get there. We're certainly not there yet."