NEWCASTLE: Just a few short years ago, no one thought it even close to possible. During the dark days of Mike Ashley — that now seem so far away — with its loveless, lifeless existence, a hope and ambition vacuum, which did nothing but suck the life out of everything near it, dreams of the top four were not even talked about on Tyneside, never mind conjured in slumberland.
The idea of the Champions League to Newcastle United was something so far out of reach, it may as well have been nestled on top of Makkah Clock Royal Tower.
But some shrewd Saudi investment, courtesy of PIF, some coaching magic from Eddie Howe, a sprinkling of class from within the St.
James’ Park dressing room and true Geordie grit and belief from the terraces — as well as the flags, don’t forget the flags — has produced a cocktail so potent it is being felt the world over.