Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew insists the club has the 'clout' to reach the 'next level' after a successful first 20 months of the club's new ownership.
And the 62-year-old has also admitted he remains in touch with the Magpies' unpopular former owner Mike Ashley.
Pardew spent an eventful four years in charge of Newcastle, which saw him guide the club to a fifth-placed finish, a Europa league quarter-final, but also negotiating a relegation battle.
His popularity among the support wavered during his time in charge at St James' Park but he insists he is delighted to see the club's success now, after Eddie Howe guided the Magpies to a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
READ MORE: Sandro Tonali asks team-mate about Newcastle as Premier League 'fascination' ends 'tears' myth
"It is so great for Newcastle now," Pardew told talkSPORT. "I was with some Newcastle friends recently at a wedding and they are loving it, the whole city.
"They now have the finance to finally compete and to be what they always wanted and what they always felt they were. They are one of the greatest supported clubs in the world, let alone in England.
"To have the finance now, the whole city is buzzing and it is a great feeling. It is not just about the football, it is what it does for the community and the city. They have the clout, Newcastle, to go to the next level. You are now going from a Champions League team, which Eddie has got them to, to winning a trophy.
"They have thrown £300million towards it, which is a lot of money to spend on a football club in any language, but you have to spend it wisely. Like we have seen at Everton and Chelsea recently, if you don't spend it well it can come back and bite you. It can leave you in an even worse position."
Pardew's time at Newcastle came under Ashley's unpopular ownership and one of the barbs that was often thrown towards him by supporters was his positive relationship with the Sports Direct chief.
And when asked if the pair remain in touch, Pardew added: "Yeah, I keep in touch with Mike. I think Mike is on the verge of doing something again in football."
