The expectations on Tyneside for Newcastle United last pre-season were nothing more than ensuring the Magpies had a comfortable finish in the Premier League.
Avoiding a relegation scrap for the first time since 2014 in the top-flight was at the top of most fans' wish-list. And for all the myths that Newcastle's fanbase demand trophies and success, few would have complained had this season ended in a mid-table finish, as long as supporters saw fight on the field.
But this season has been much more than a mid-table finish. Newcastle not only cemented their top-flight place back in January when they hit 39 points (with 37 points set to be the magic safety number this year) but they cashed in on poor campaigns from Tottenham and Chelsea.
