The Magpies secured fourth and then third-place finishes in successive campaigns under Sir Bobby Robson and now we have to pick up the scraps of the InterToto. But Roeder says he has what it takes to bring back the good times.
Europe - Without The Horror Of The InerToto
Roeder: "A few years ago under Sir Bobby, the club qualified for the Champions League. That has got to be the ultimate aim of any manager who manages this club, that at the start of every season, you aim that high.
"If you do not quite make that, you at least guarantee UEFA Cup football. We need to be in Europe every season. I certainly understand that and when I took the job, I certainly accepted the responsibility that goes with that.
"But this season has been exceptional. I think the boys have done very, very well - the ones who have remained been fit - to have kept their nerve and motivation.
"I do not know anyone in football who remembers such an horrific injury crisis. It has not just been for a month, it is now running into a fifth month, and we are still in double figures."