Alan Pardew reflected on his dream return to Crystal Palace after Sunday's 1-0 victory over Swansea secured a 10th-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League.
Marouane Chamakh stabbed home the winner after combining with Scott Dann in the 58th minute to set a points record in the competition for the Eagles.
Pardew took over the club he once served as a player when they were stuck in the relegation zone in January, but 18 games later they have finished in the top half of the table.
"When I arrived here the club was in a difficult position, but there was no shortage of quality or character and my goodness we have proved that," Pardew said.
"Over the last 18 games our record has been phenomenal and none of the top teams' record is better.
"It's remarkable really to finish 10th, I'd never have dreamt that when I arrived.
"I wouldn't have believed you had you told me, especially when the bus was parked 300 yards away and I had to walk... I wasn't used to that being manager of Newcastle!
"It's been a great experience and we now need to kick on if we can. We'll try to do that."
Pardew hopes he will be asked to invest the extra money that accompanies finishing 10th back into the squad and is targeting the addition of four first-team players during the transfer window.
"The chairman has an extra £4million now, so he's happy, but I'll be trying to take very penny off him," Pardew said.
"We're in a good position because we don't need to speculate, we just need to buy some quality.
"I hope players up and down the country and in Europe have seen the potential of this place.
"It's a London club - the only club south of the river - and we can really kick on. I hope players want to come here."
Swansea manager Garry Monk revealed he is close to signing a new contract after overseeing a superb season, finishing a club-highest eighth in the Premier League.
"I'm talking to the club about a new contract and those negotiations are well under way now," said Monk, who also revealed that defender Neil Taylor is close to agreeing fresh terms.
"We've had good initial talks and hopefully it can happen sooner rather than later.
"I'm very focused on Swansea and the transition I've done this season hasn't finished. I want to put my stamp on the club.
"I'm more than sure that with the conversations that have already gone on that we'll be able to sort out a contract over the next few days."
Source: PA
