Alan Smith: “This season has put a smile back on people’s faces around this city.
“The lads have really grouped together.
“We’ve played for and have been Newcastle UNITED.
“It’s a city that loves its football team probably more than any other city I’ve been to.
“They live and breathe Newcastle United. Everywhere you go people are interested in it.
“Everybody was disappointed with what happened last year and even if you’re not playing you are still responsible because you win and lose as a team.
“This football club is a special place – especially when stuff like this is happening.
“People only see a part of it on the pitch on a match day, but there is a lot of work that goes into it behind the scenes.
“Not just the players, everybody involved with the club. And you feel really happy for them.
“People like (football secretary) Tony Toward and (kitman) George Ramshaw, who have been behind the scenes for many years.
“And then you have (physio) Derek Wright who has been here a long time too.
“Winning the league has not just been for the players and fans but also the people behind the scenes.”