Danny Simpson has admitted Newcastle United’s current form is evoking flashbacks from the famous 2011-12 season. Under Alan Pardew, the Magpies - on a limited budget - took the division by storm to clinch Europa League football.
Finishing fifth was the highest league position Newcastle achieved during Mike Ashley’s 14-year reign of discontent on Tyneside. Simpson, by this point a first-team regular having arrived from Manchester United two years earlier, was a stalwart in the team, making 35 appearances to prove his worth at Premier League level.
The now 35-year-old had shown glimpses of quality in previous loan moves but it was at St James’ Park where he made his name. Astonishingly, Simpson shocked the world three years after leaving Newcastle by winning the Premier League title with Leicester City.
