Newcastle supporters believe a top 10 finish and a cup run would be a ‘realistic’ goal for next season should Premier League survival be secured.
Despite all odds, the Magpies have transformed in recent weeks to climb out of the drop zone and talk of another summer overhaul is already under way.
While fans - and most importantly Eddie Howe - know that the job is not complete yet, a ten-point cushion from the bottom three means the temperature around St James’ Park is a lot cooler than it was just over a month ago.
Nearly 1,000 people responded to a tweet asking for their thoughts on what Newcastle’s expectations should be next season - provided the club stays in the Premier League.
National critics branded Toon supporters as deluded when satirical talk of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland emerged following the £300million takeover in October.
However, the feedback on Twitter proves that Magpies fans are more level-headed than they are given credit for. Of the 900+ responses, the overwhelming majority called on the owners to kick on and cement a top-half finish next season, acknowledging the building process required at the club following the mess leftover by Mike Ashley.
Several fans also called on the new regime to improve the club’s infrastructure, with the training ground and academy infamously branded as inadequate for a top-flight Premier League side.
@Andrew_Fryday: Top 10, good cup runs (qtrs), push the top 6/8 when we play them … bed in a refreshed squad, give new foreign players a solid season and get ready for an assault on top 6 the following season.
@jonniegrieve: Top half finish. Maybe even knock on the door of Europa League. Just stay clear of the relegation zone, as disconcerting that will be. I'm not sure how I'll ever get used to such as concept again. #nufc
@heyitsleeNUFC: Aim for a top 10 finish, really go for it in the cup. Bring in some players who will strengthen the team but not upset the spirit we have going on at the moment. Don’t need wholesale change just steady building!
@samholmes443: Newcastle should never be a club battling with relegation year in year out. Targets for next year must be a top 10 finish and the beginning of behind the scene developments (training ground, academy etc). As long as we're showing steady growth year on year then we can't complain!
GeordieGaz78: We should be aiming for top 10 and anything above that would be a bonus, we need to be realistic and build on the great start that Eddie and the staff have made in such a short space of time and plan long term success with astute acquisitions.
@Johnty1985: Go all out for league Cup and get some silverware in the cupboard that'll bring European football and try and get top 8 finish and build from there.
@BenBowker: Comfortable Top half would be great. I’d love to see a decent cup run though. If we strengthen the squad I see that as a real possibility for an early trophy under the new ownership.
@glen19061: The aim has to be pushing for a top 10 finish and to give the cups a real go.
The main thing for me is to not be hoping for three teams to be worse than us as I've been doing for years, let's start looking up rather than down!
@jonlane86: Top 10 and challenge in both Cup competitions (1/4 final minimum) would represent progress. Would like to see us grow sustainably and organically, imagine it's at least five years until we're competing regularly for top four.
There was a divided opinion among the fanbase about what profile of player Newcastle should aim to bring in at the end of the season.
Some called for the owners to continue January’s policy of sensible, measured signings, with Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett all making an immediate impact on Eddie Howe’s team. On the other hand, the new-found wealth on Tyneside has fans clamouring for a marquee name to waltz through the door at St James’ Park.
@DanCouper: Keep going. Make a few sensible signings -- Targett, CB, CM, winger, striker or two needed. Experience would be good. Pump cash into training ground and academy. Build foundations first
@toontoon2121: We will need to break our transfer record for a marquee signing. I have Harry Kane in mind, but I would love to sign Ousmanne Dembele. We need a world class striker though
@taylorcj1987: Would love Eddie and the boys to get a cup and thus Europe. If we're aiming for the names that we've been quoted Botman, Carlos, Nunez, Henderson...there's no reason in my eyes we can't qualify for Europa on league position too!!
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