Bob Moncur: "I have to say that Kevin's approach is a common sense one and that the top six next season is a big ask, especially the top four.
"But how many Newcastle fans were realistically thinking about preparing for the Champions League in 12 months time, I ask?
"Surely not too many. The top four is sewn up at the moment and it will take a while to get on top of that.
"The modern-day player would like to play in London, I think, and the Modric deal is evidence of that.
"Most players would like to be at a club in European competition too and Newcastle simply isn't London or a team that is in Europe.
"I think that if anybody can pull a rabbit out again like that it's Kevin. And to do that he'll have to be backed by Mike Ashley.
"When you look back to the Entertainers era, Newcastle really were going somewhere up until the point that Kevin left in 1997.
"Now he is setting his stall out again and by underlining the fact that the Champions League is out of reach. But top five?
"That is a different proposition all together, it's a good achievement to get into fifth or sixth place and there is also the cups next season once again.
"Europe is important in so many ways. It gives the fans something too look forward to and keeps it exciting. The fans like European football and it helps no end when it comes to attracting star names.
"The best players should want to be in Europe and while some might see fifth as unambitious, Continental football would be back at St James's Park again in 12 months time if we get it - and given the last few years of torment, it doesn't get much better than that at the moment."