Steve Bruce has gotten over the 'worst of it' as Newcastle boss and Callum Wilson being fit for the full season will provide the Magpies with a 'big bonus'.
That is the verdict of former Wimbledon and Jamaica star Robbie Earle who feels United will be 'comfortable' this season.
Newcastle head into the new campaign without a new signing as things stand, although Joe Willock's permanent move from Arsenal is expected to be rubber-stamped before Sunday's opening day clash with West Ham.
The Magpies endured a mixed campaign last term as they won just twice in 21 matches between December and April which saw them flirt with relegation.
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Bruce's popularity as Newcastle boss plummeted as a result but, to the manager's credit', he turned things around to guide Newcastle to five wins in their last nine matches to secure a 12th placed finish.
And Earle feels Newcastle will have no such troubles this term, particularly with Willock and Wilson in their starting XI.
"I am feeling a bit more comfortable about Newcastle," Earle told NBC Sports' The Two Robbies podcast.
"I think Steve Bruce has got over the worst of it, Willock coming in is a decent signing and I think Callum Wilson being fit is a big bonus."
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