Lewis Hall believes there has been too much ‘negativity’ around Newcastle United in recent weeks and has reminded supporters of the possibilities that await in 2026.
The England defender has joined manager Eddie Howe in calling for more understanding and positivity, especially with the team alive in all competitions.
Online fans, in particular, have been critical of tactics and performances amid an inconsistent run of results that has them 13th in the Premier League, and Howe reacted strongly on Friday when a reporter questioned the approach during last week’s 3-1 win at Burnley.
Supporters in the stadium are fully behind the manager and players, and Hall says Howe is right to confront what they believe is undue negativity.
‘If I’m being honest, I’d agree (with the manager),’ said the 21-year-old. ‘It’s also about understanding we’ve not been at our best this year but, if you look at the league table, how tight it is, and what we’ve done in previous seasons, we were in a similar position last year, 12th at Christmas, and we then put a run together and that’s what we have to do now.
‘We want and need to be higher in the table. Burnley was a good start to achieving that. Any big club there is negative and positive talk about you, it’s about us keeping it tight together and focusing on ourselves, giving the feedback between ourselves.’
Lewis Hall believes Eddie Howe is right about the negativity surrounding Newcastle United
Hall added: ‘All supporters have the right to their opinion. But, for us, it’s about not necessarily listening to it. Sometimes, you can understand where people are coming from. Some other things, personally, I wouldn’t agree with it. I always focus on what I can do and what the manager wants from us a team. That’s the most important, we all listen to him.’
Newcastle host Crystal Palace on Sunday and are just four points off the Champions League places, with a Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City to come.
‘There is so much to be positive about,’ said Hall. ‘Just a couple of wins together in the league and you’ll be back up there. In the Champions League, we’re in a good position. We’ve got the Carabao Cup semi-final and a home tie in the FA Cup next week.
‘As a Newcastle fan, there is so much to look forward to. I can understand why people might not be happy with our performances in certain games, but if you look at how much football there is to play – and we’re still in every competition – then, for me being a fan and for everyone else, there is so much to look forward to.’
