Qualifying for the Champions League just 18 months or so since Newcastle United were sold by Mike Ashley to the Saudi-backed consortium was not expected. For most, it wasn't even a dream. Now it is a reality for Eddie Howe and those in charge at St James' Park.
Now the dust has settled and the disbelief in achieving such a fear begins to dissipate - the hard work begins. From sponsorships to corporate offerings and improvements inside the ground, the summer will be far from one of rest for those working behind the scenes. Indeed, go for a quick walk past the stadium and you can hear the noise of building work as time ebbs away for the kick-off of the new campaign.
Improvements were always going to be needed at the ground - the shell it had become under the previous owner demanded it but now with Champions League football on the horizon, the changes take on a new level. With that in mind, and a rise in running costs, an increase in ticket prices seemed somewhat inevitable.
