Former Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul is optimistic about the club’s future
15:35, 26 Sep 2026Updated 15:36, 26 Sep 2026
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle and goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
Matthias Jaissle had big shoes to fill when he replaced Eddie Howe at Newcastle United over the summer, but there have been plenty of positive signs that the club are heading in the right direction, says Tim Krul.
The ex-Magpies shot-stopper feels Lewis Hall’s contract extention is the latest indication of progress at St James’ Park following a summer that threatened to derail their long-term plans.
United lost some big first-team players in Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, plus head coach Howe, but Jaissle has been able to steady the ship while overseeing the arrival of some exciting, young talent.
His side have started the season well, losing just one of their first seven games and, while it is still work in progress, Krul has seen plenty to like in the early stages.
“There’s a lot of respect that has to go to Eddie Howe, because he brought the trophy to Newcastle that everybody had been waiting for all those years,” he told Flashscore.
“I rate Eddie Howe very highly, so it’s a hard act to follow. But Jaissle has started really well. I like his press conferences and the way he conducts himself. I feel like the team is responding really well to him.
“Wissa looks like a fresh new player, because he had a really tricky start last season. The spirit looks good. The club is going through a transitional time, but there’s some positive news coming out with new training grounds and potentially new stands or a new stadium.
“Extending Lewis Hall’s contract is a big statement, because he’s one of the most exciting talents in that team.”
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul(Image: PA)
Newcastle recruited a new goalkeeper in the window, with Lukas Hornicek taking over from Nick Pope as first-choice shot-stopper.
It’s a job Krul is very familiar with, of course, and he has been impressed with the Czech so far.
“A young, exciting talent,” he added. on Hornicek. “Nick Pope was already a really good goalkeeper, but Hornicek is a totally different style of keeper.
“He’s a lot more all-round, with his distribution, as a sweeper-keeper. He looks really agile. Newcastle spent a lot of money on him, so they clearly see a big future for him.”
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