When Newcastle United were relegated at the end of last season following a season of on-the field failure and off-the-field anger, many feared that they may become another Leeds United who fell even further down the league ladder. Yet for the Phoenix read the Magpie and the Geordies will once again be playing Premier League football next season.

Newcastle started their campaign as visitors to the team who would be their closest rivals, West Bromwich Albion. Under then-caretaker boss Chris Hughton, the first two months of the season did not bring the immediate domination of the Championship that many, including their fans, possibly expected. However, with the permanent appointment of Hughton in the hot seat at St James Park, Newcastle gradually moved into a lead that they would not relinquish.

 

An early exit from the Carling Cup in September, losing 2-0 at Peterborough, was disappointing but in the wider picture, probably a God-send.  When West Brom knocked them out of the FA Cup in Round 4 less than a week after earning a 2-2 draw at St James’, they could easily have seized the initiative but the Geordies form did not waiver.

With four players in double figures in the scoring charts, it was always going to be a good season. Andy Carroll finished top with 19, 17 of which he grabbed in the Championship. The closing day win at Loftus Road took Newcastle over the 100 mark for points, a full 23 points ahead of 3^rd placed Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle will have funds to spend and the ability to attract players when Hughton looks to bolster his squad when the assault on the Premier League starts in August.  They will have no intention to simply make up the numbers on their return.