Matt Ritchie has warned it is "naive" to think all of Newcastle United's problems boil down to a lack of on-field investment.
The hard working Scotland international feels that any team outside the Premier League's top six are capable of getting dragged into the scrap in the bottom half of the table.
United are currently just above the relegation zone in terms of position but have a healthy 10-point gap above Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds are 10 points behind United with five games left to play - and taken on relegation rivals Brighton tonight.
Speaking about recent talk of Newcastle spending money, Ritchie said: "People talk about not wanting to be in this position again, but that’s naive when you’re talking about the Premier League.
"It’s a frustrating one.
"I understand, and as players you want to achieve great things, but you have to be realistic.
"Other than the top six, every team can be in the relegation mix.
"Everton spent £100m last season, but with ten games to go, they were still in trouble.
"From the top six down, anyone can be in a relegation battle, anyone.
"Whether they get a bad start or a bad run, you have to be realistic."
Newcastle could still feasibly net 11th or 12th place, but they are now 80/1 to get a top-10 finish like season.
Ritchie said: "The top six or seven might have that bit more, but the rest of the league is so close.
"This year, there’s a little bit more of a gap, but so many clubs can end up in trouble.
"We’re seen as not spending money, but spending money is no guarantee.
"We’re competing.
"We only came up a couple of years ago, and last season we retained our Premier League status.
"Hopefully, this season, if we continue to play like we did at Leicester, we can get a few more points and finish close to where we did last season."
