Eddie Howe has admitted that it was a 'very emotional night' after a number of Newcastle United players and staff potentially said farewell to St James' Park after the Magpies qualified for the Champions League.
Newcastle are back at Europe's top table for the first time in 20 years following a goalless draw against Leicester City. No wonder the squad and backroom team alike savoured every moment of the lap of honour after the game as they made their way around the pitch with their families.
Among those on the lap was highly-regarded coach analyst Mark Leyland, who will join the City Football Group this summer, and part-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi took the former Liverpool man aside to give him a hug on Monday night. A number of players could end up following Leyland out of the club as this rebuild enters its next phase.
