Steve Bruce says Newcastle United's improved Premier League position and points tally should be celebrated as an achievement.
But believes that critics have been silenced after the club's late season form.
The 2-0 win over Fulham meant that Newcastle finished 17 points above the drop zone, despite a poor run of results after Christmas.
Bruce said: “We’ll never say it’s an achievement to finish 12th for a club of our stature but it’s an achievement.
"I hope the people who have written us off, they’ll eat humble pie and give us some credit."
Reflecting on the game, Bruce said: "We made hard work of the second half but we defended well.
"There were a lot of tired bodies but I’m delighted with the way we have finished the season.
"When we really needed the results, the players and the staff have worked tirelessly to turn it round."
Bruce says that he will now focus on tying down Joe Willock on a permanent deal.
He said: “I couldn’t be more pleased for him. He’s done so well. We’ll try our utmost to keep him but we must respect that he’s Arsenal’s player."
