Source: Northern_Echo
Newcastle's Review of the Season
EARLIER this week, Alan Pardew awarded his Newcastle United squad eight out of ten for their efforts this season. Given everything that has happened since the Championship title was secured at Plymouth last April, however, it is tempting to suggest they deserve an even higher mark than that. From the handicap of no new capital expenditure to the trauma of Andy Carroll's departure, via the upset caused by Chris Hughton's forced exit in December, the Magpies have refused to allow a series of disruptions to derail their stated ambition of survival. Admittedly, most of the disruptions were self-inflicted - Newcastle wouldn't be Newcastle if they weren't putting a succession of obstacles in their own way - but the players and management at St James' Park deserve considerable credit for the way in which they have successfully reestablished their club as a viable Premier League force. Whether they can move forward again next season remains to be seen, but for now, simply going into tomorrow's final game with West Brom without a relegation battle to contend with is proof of a job well done. In truth, the signs of survival were apparent early on. August's 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa confirmed Newcastle's ability to compete in the top-flight, with Carroll's hat-trick providing early evidence of the goalscoring prowess that would make the striker the club's key performer in the first half of the season. Carroll scored 11 Premier League goals before Christmas, but was far from the only player to transfer his impressive Championship form into the top-flight. The likes of Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Jonas Gutierrez continued where they had left off in the second tier, with Fabricio Coloccini and Jose Enrique successfully rebuilding reputations that had been shredded by a difficult first year in English football. The season's biggest high came on October 31, with Newcastle trouncing Sunderland 5-1 courtesy of a hat-trick from Nolan and a double from Shola Ameobi. Happy Halloween It certainly was if you were of a black-and-white persuasion. Behind the scenes, however, all was not well, and despite nurturing a strong sense of spirit and camaraderie, Hughton was dismissed in December in the wake of a 3-1 defeat at West Brom. The move resulted in an outcry, and supporters were hardly ameliorated by the appointment of Pardew, whose main qualification for the role appeared to be his friendship with chief executive Derek Llambias. To Pardew's credit, though, six months on, and it is hard to find too many fans with a critical word to say about their new boss. A debut win over Liverpool helped deflect any lingering criticism, and Newcastle were as high as eighth after they won at Wigan on January 2. Cue crisis number two. Mike Ashley's decision to sell Carroll to Liverpool on transfer-deadline day was understandable given the £35m fee, but his failure to sign an attacking replacement led to more vitriolic criticism of his conduct. When the Magpies trailed Arsenal 4-0 six days later, the resentment threatened to turn into outright revolt. When Cheik Tiote completed one of the greatest comebacks of all time 45 minutes later though, the acrimony was immediately forgotten. The Arsenal draw formed part of a five-match unbeaten run that did much to secure Newcastle's top-flight status, with April's 4-1 win over Wolves removing any lingering relegation fears. Survival was mathematically confirmed when Birmingham were beaten 2-1 at St James' this month, and the Magpies could yet finish the season in the top half of the table if they see off West Brom tomorrow. They could do with keeping Barton and Enrique, two players who are due to enter the final year of their contract this summer, and supporters will expect Pardew to honour his pledge to spend the full £35m that was received for Carroll. Provided the money is invested wisely, Newcastle appear to have laid the foundation for a push towards Europe next season. Hit of the season: Joey Barton - The controversial midfielder might not be to everyone's liking, but this season's performances have been as good as anything he has produced in his career. Flop of the season: Sol Campbell - The former England international moved amid much fanfare last summer, but made just four Premier League starts and will not be re-signed. High of the season: Cheik Tiote's equaliser against Arsenal - Having watched his team-mates claw back the bulk of a four-goal deficit, the Magpies midfielder lashed home a long-range strike to complete the greatest comeback of the Premier League era. Low of the season: Chris Hughton's dismissal - While Pardew has acquitted himself admirably in the last six months, Hughton did not deserve to be treated so shabbily after guiding Newcastle to promotion last May.