Les Ferdinand: “Last season they were fantastic. After 12 games people were saying they’d never stay up there. But they did.
“They have added a few more players to their squad and it is good to see them up their challenging again.
"The Europa League must be approached in the right manner.
“It is a tough competition. Knowing Alan Pardew he’ll approach it correctly.
“I don’t think he’ll field weakened sides. He’ll make sure that they are right for the Premier League games and manage it that way.
“It’s great for the supporters. The club seems to be heading in the right direction and it’s great for Newcastle.
“The next step hopefully is to see them get into the Champions League. I think they can.
“Of course for me I hope to see Newcastle AND Tottenham in there!
“If they can’t get in the Champions League it will be superb and the fans deserve to be in Europe.”