Shola Ameobi: "Getting fit and playing games is all I wanted to do. It had been a while since I was able to do that, but it's testament to the physios and medical staff for the work they've done for me.
"Also the manager Joe Kinnear came in and put a lot of faith in me. I hadn't played for a while and had to prove myself again. Thankfully, I believe I did that.
"Now I can look forward to playing a lot more games for Newcastle, which didn't look likely a few months ago. And now my future is in order I can focus on getting it right on the pitch.
"In the summer my future was up in the air. I didn't know if I was going to be here or not. So I am delighted to be able to sign a contract.
"It's my home-town club and I'm happy to be able to look forward to the future with Newcastle United.
"I am confident I can do it, and the club are also in the fact they have shown faith with the contract. Now it's down to me to prove that."