VIEW FROM THE STANDS LANE HUSBAND

Last season was a complete rollercoaster. It started with the acceptance of inevitable relegation, but post- takeover and Steve Bruce’s sacking it was amazing. A nine- game unbeaten run after Christmas and 11th- place finish was miraculous. The new owners have been all we wished for. The big talking point is undoubtedly, new signings and where we could finish.

Our key player will be Bruno Guimaraes. No Newcastle player has made that kind of impact mid- season since Andy Cole in 1993. He’s great with the fans and just on a different level on the pitch. I won’t be happy unless the club sort out our away loyalty points system. More should be released on general sale or in a ballot. Our most underrated

player is definitely Emil Krafth. His deputising for Kieran Trippier was superb.

The opposition player who

grinds my gears is without doubt Richarlison. He’s bang average, dives, has the ego of Brazilian Ronaldo but the ability of Ali Dia. I’m least looking forward

to playing Manchester City. No matter how well we play against them, they batter us. Now they’ve got Haaland...

The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is unequivocally positive. He’s likeable, calm, polite with fans, players and journalists, and represents our club in a such a good light. Moving Joelinton into midfield was a masterstroke. The player I’d happily drive

to another club is Jeff Hendrick. He’s Championship level at best. Time to go.

The pantomime villain will

be Jack Grealish probably, for his weird Miguel Almiron comments… he’s a £ 100m flop and has fewer goals for a bigger national team.

We’ll finish in the top 10 – I’ll say 8th. Great progress.