A mid-table finish would be a 'fantastic season' for Newcastle United and should be deemed a 'success' by supporters.
That's the view of former Magpies' winger John Barnes, who believes the club's fanbase need to 'get some realism' in their expectations for the campaign ahead.
United have endured a mixed start to the season and currently sit 13th in the table, 10 points clear of the relegation zone after only eight games.
Magpies head coach Steve Bruce continues to face criticism over his side's style of play, despite earning three league wins and guiding his side to a Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Victories over West Ham and Everton have been tempered by poor displays against the likes of Brighton and Southampton in their last outing.
Following three successive mid-table finishes after the Magpies return to the Premier League, sections of the club's support are growing restless at the team's inconsistency and perceived lack of progress.
However, Barnes feels fans need to adjust their expectations for the club and reckons another mid-table finish this season should be applauded.
The former England international told PlayOjo: "Mid-table will represent a fantastic season for Newcastle. But of course, at Newcastle and other clubs like Everton, Villa, big teams with huge ambition, want more.
"I believe when I say finishing 10th should be deemed success, but the fans want more and they put so much pressure on the team. That's why sometimes they end up being in the bottom three or four because of that pressure.
"I think big clubs who aren't one of the big six will always have a bit of an issue unless they get some realism from the fans.
"Realism isn't based on the size of your club or how good you are as we live in a world now where no matter how big you are, you can have a much smaller club, with owners with more money than you, who can you know outspend you."
