Andy Carroll: “Looking back it’s been a great season for the club.
“Obviously, I’ve had problems on and off the field this season but the lads have got round me. Chris and Colin have been great with me, they’ve helped me along and looked after me.
“I owe a lot to Chris. He stuck by me through everything and I hope I’ve repaid him with goals and performances. I think the whole of the team felt like they owed him and we’ve managed to repay him a bit by winning the title.
“He’s brought everyone together. I can’t say enough good things about him.
“When we went down last season the dressing room wasn’t like it is now. Everyone is together as a team now, we do everything together and Chris has had a big influence.
“Chris is just a great guy. He has our respect and he’s a great manager.
“It was a great feeling to achieve everything we have this season. To finish unbeaten at home, with a league winner’s medal and back in the Premier League, is just special.
“Lifting the trophy in front of a full house at St James’ – that will live with me for the rest of my life. The fans joining in with the celebrations, it just makes it all worthwhile.
“My brothers, my mum and my dad and my girlfriend were all in the stands watching me. It was everyone who means something to me and I was just proud to be able to do it for them. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my family.”