For much of the campaign it looked as if Steve Bruce’s men were destined to be embroiled in a relegation battle that would go right down to the wire, but a recent purple patch helped the Magpies to secure their survival with several games to spare.
Steve Bruce’s men play Fulham on Sunday knowing that they could finish as high as 12th this term – a thought that would have been all but unimaginable a couple of months ago.
Reflecting on the standout moments from his side’s campaign ahead of the final day, the Toon boss said: “We all know the worst.
“I can reel them off straight away – Sheffield United away, Brentford away, Brighton away.
"They were, quite easily, the worst parts of the season for obvious reasons.
"The highlights? I thought we played really well against Tottenham the other week, against a really good side, (and had) 20-odd attempts on goal.
"I think the big highlight has to be our last away game at Leicester. Our performance against them was, for many, as good as I’ve seen for a while, which pleased me.
"We know we’ve got the makings of a half-decent team. When everybody’s fit at the top end of the pitch, and I include Joe Willock in that, with (Miguel) Almiron and the two wing-backs we’ve got, we’ve got plenty going forward at the moment.
"Let’s build on that, let’s hope we can have a fruitful summer to strengthen. Certainly, the Leicester performance was probably the best.”
We’ve gathered the rest of today's Premier League transfer speculation below...

5. Foxes in for James
Leicester City are strong contenders to sign Manchester United winger Daniel James this summer. (Manchester Gazette) . (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool

6. Toon want Dickie
Newcastle United are plotting a summer raid for Queens Park Rangers defender Rob Dickie. (Football Insider) (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Photo: Dan Mullan

7. Hawkes in demand
Sunderland could be set to lose one of the stars of their youth team in Josh Hawkes. West Ham and Crystal Palace are keen. (TEAMtalk) (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Photo: Shaun Botterill

8. Bouy set for Leeds exit
Ouasim Bouy’s dismal four-year spell at Leeds United will finally come to an end next month. (Football Insider) (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) Photo: Tullio M. Puglia

