How will Newcastle fare this season?

Last season was a good one for Newcastle United and their supporters, finishing 5th in the Premier League table, and a playing squad that played for one another and the manager, Alan Pardew.

The Magpies were far more than hard grafters though, players like Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa provided flair, touch and technique, safe in the knowledge that the striking partnership of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse were more than likely to finish the chances they created off.

Entering a final day with an away trip to Goodison Park was never going to be easy, but the fact that the North East club went there with realistic ambitions of Champions League football shows just how far the Magpies have come, since being promoted from the Championship in the 2009/10 season.

Enough about last season though, after the Everton game, which they lost 3-1, Alan Pardew promised that his team would ‘strengthen’ and come back better for the 2012/13 campaign.

The former West Ham manager said that Newcastle were guilty of conceding a number of ‘soft goals’ last season, which suggests that defensive reinforcement may be a priority at St James Park. The recent contract renewal of  James Tavernier suggests that Alan Pardew has an eye on the future, whilst contract talks with Danny Simpson have broken down.

Luuk De Jong, a striker, is understood to be a target for Newcastle but, former England boss, Steve McClaren has warned that they will have to submit an irrefutable offer if they are to land the highly rated Dutchman.

As the number of clubs challenging at the top end of the Premier League table seems to be rising, Geordies will, no doubt, hope that their club will be able to continue to progress.

Although we cannot possibly know how next season will go, with Alan Pardew at the helm, Newcastle may be a force to be reckoned with once again.

Below are highlights of one of Newcastle’s best performances last season.