ChrisJbarnes

The return to fitness of Barton and the sale of Butt will be like two new signings.

WITH the majority of European leagues still two weeks from their conclusion, Chris Hughton admits that he will take advantage of his side's early finish to continue his scouting trawl across the continent. The Magpies wrapped up their league campaign with victory at QPR on Sunday, freeing Hughton and his staff to begin their preparations ahead of next season's return to the Premier League. And the gaffer told nufc.co.uk: "It's certainly an opportunity to look at players now we're finished that little bit earlier. "During the season you are able to get to games, but not as many as you'd like because of our midweek matches. Article continues>> "But there are a lot of games over Europe during these next few weeks and it's a good chance for myself and the staff to make the most of it. "I've taken in a few games already but intend to see a lot more during these next few weeks."

Fair shout. Surprised that after a search, nothing came up on here though

http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/TicketsHome/0,,10278,00.html appears to be selling tickets for a game away to Norwich on the 24th July. No mention of this anywhere else though?

Stupid statement it may well be, but I will be judging Ashley and co after the transfer window ends, and more specifically when the season ends. I can't remember what the statement said in January, but I'm not sure it involved buying as many players as we did. Lets hope we end up with a decent enough team to survive next season, and that this is just much ado about nothing.

Would definitely make sense. 5th at home v 6th would be a plan. 4th vs winner of above. 3rd vs winner of above at Wembley. I'd also let away team fans have half the home stadium if required as well. obviously a bit harder if you have a West Ham/ Millwall sort of situation but the principle is good.

Perhaps. Would only add another year if I was them. lifetime contract it is then.

To be fair though, it was at a lower level.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/fantasy-kit-design/fantasy-kit-design/newcastle-utd-2010-11puma-kit-6455.html A mate posted this one saying its real, luckily it says "fantasy kit design"

This guy has a point.

Looks like a good day for ant-football in the premier league.

i was expecting us to come 2nd with WBA to win it. They seem like they know this league better, and I didnt have faith in Hughton as a manager, but was expecting our squad to have enough for automatic promotion. pleasantly slightly surprised that Hughton has done so well this year.

regardless, I cant see Ashley funding it.

maybe if we win it.

I'm just glad we've proved all those who mocked us wrong. Many have revelled in our demise and here we are, 5 games before the end of the season securing an immediate return to the premiership. That is impressive.

If WBA had lost, the earliest date to win the title would have been at Plymouth. Nope, as it stands Brom have played 42 games and are on 83 points. We have 86 from 40 games. Maximum return for Brom is 12 points, putting their maximum total to 95. We now need 10 points from 6 games to guarantee the title. (Unless i am mistaken)

Absolutely gutted. If Brom hadnt got that equaliser, i'd have probably witnessed us win the title at Reading away. Now i will probably see us "effectively champions" which just isnt the same. Still, I suppose it's better for you actual Geordies if it sealed at SJP

It was between 5 and 7, thats all I know

Apparently Edgar scored today, as did Hughton's son

You just know its going to be an own goal or a keeping error!

WTF. You've had 20 or so games on TV this season, is that not enough? What are you gonna miss about the Championship? What do you think League 1 has to offer? I would say not having to put up with clubs (and fans) who are deluded, thinking they are far bigger and far more important than they are, but Leeds will be there next season anyway. Haven't you read the sun? We are the biggest club in the world and because of that we have a divine right to be in the premier league.

Manchester United Chelsea Liverpool

One thing Im not looking forward to when we go back to the premiership is the constant media attention and the wanking over chelsea and man united. And the inevitable slagging off we will get. I've been watching football league games live for a while and really enjoyed it. You get much more devoted fans. The last time I was at Villa the Holte end was full of fair weather freddy's who booed after they drew. I'd much rather go to a half empty stadium full of passionate fans than one that is full of people who clearly dont have a clue.

I've been very impressed with Birmingham this season. Alex McLeish has done a fantastic job turning them into battlers, again it is possible that we could do similar. However, in my opinion this is a freak season for Birmingham, and I don't believe they will bat similarly above their average next season without decent investment (which they could well end up getting). Yes, maybe we will do a Birmingham, but that there would lead to high expectations and disappointment when it is realised that our squad isnt capable of consistently finishing in the top 10. For what its worth, I don't think a midtable finish is impossible. But if you told me we will finish 15th or 16th next season I think I would be reasonably happy but not ecstatic.