Don’t miss Mick Quinn’s player of the year awards

PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Jamaal Lascelles

In terms of consistency, no Newcastle player has been as impressive as Lascelles.

Even when United went through a rough spell, he continued to excel.

He has come on as a captain and a centre-back – and I still think he can get better.

He should be going to Russia with England in my opinion, and he is someone Rafa can build his Newcastle team around for years to come.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Ayoze Perez

In the second half of the season, Perez really stepped up – and he is a key reason behind why Newcastle secured safety with five games to spare.

In the past, I’ve criticised Perez for not scoring enough goals, but he managed 10 for the season and has hit a real purple patch recently. What I like about Perez is he scores goals other players wouldn’t, like that deft flick against Chelsea at the weekend, which was very clever. At 24 years of age, he can keep getting better too.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Martin Dubravka

It has to be. Since Dubravka arrived in January, he’s been a revelation. He honestly looks like he’s been Newcastle No 1 for years.

His ball-playing ability and vocal nature make him someone his teammates are comfortable playing in front of and he has helped improve the defence. Newcastle simply have to sign the Slovakia international this summer.

GOAL OF THE SEASON: Ayoze Perez v Leicester 7/4/18

As a striker, I really appreciated the technique involved in this goal.

It’s one I don’t think any other Newcastle player could have scored.

To even think about lobbing Kasper Schmeichel in the first place was audacious, but then to do so with the outside of your boot from almost 30 yards out – now that’s impressive. It showed the confidence that was flowing through Perez’s veins at the time.

PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON: Newcastle 1 Man Utd 0 11/2/18

Rafa refers to this display as a key moment in the season, and I agree.

It was a true, 90-minute performance – and it’s very rare you get one of those from any team.

Newcastle were better than Man

United throughout and it was a real team effort which delivered this victory.

To outplay a top-six side like that helped instil confidence in the group – and it came at a crucial time in the season. The squad’s self-belief grew after this win and helped propel Newcastle on the path towards safety.

PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER OF THE SEASON:

1) Sean Dyche; 2) Rafa Benitez; 3) Pep Guardiola

I’ve gone for Dyche just because I really thought Burnley would struggle, but the Clarets have been excellent and have European football again.

Dyche only just pips Rafa for me though – because, to take Newcastle into the top 10 with the squad they’ve got, that is some achievement.

Pep’s side play tremendous football and they’ve set records, but the money factor just knocks him down the list for me.

I also want to give honourable mentions to Chris Hughton and David Wagner.