Neil Warnock believes Newcastle United will shock the Premier League and clinch a European spot this season. Optimism on Tyneside ahead of a new season has rarely been higher, with the £300million Saudi-backed takeover generating excitement among supporters.
The Magpies have not qualified for Europe since 2011-12 when Alan Pardew claimed fifth place - the highest finish under Mike Ashley. Eventual finalists Benfica knocked Newcastle out at the quarter-final stage the following season and Toon supporters’ passports have been gathering dust ever since.
However, former Middlesbrough manager Warnock - who called time on a 55-year career in April - has backed Eddie Howe’s men to upset the apple cart. The 73-year-old thinks Newcastle will nick sixth spot, ahead of Manchester United.