The celebrations for the return to the Premiership have died down – most fans wondering what the hell they were doing in the division anyway – and with just the title to now secure (Newcastle are 80/1 on to clinch it!), many thoughts are turning to next season and how the team is going to shape up. All eyes are on Ashley and whether he will once more try to sell the club, with Premiership status assured and profile raised plus whether Hughton stays, how much money he gets to improve the squad etc. These questions will be crucial to whether it will be a season of challenging with the big boys, mid-table consolidation or a scramble for survival.
At this stage, the Toon are seen as an outside 12/1 bet to make the Top 6 and have a sniff of Europe although positions 10-12 (@ 12/5) and 13-17 (@ 6/5) look more realistic prospects unless there are dramatic changes. With NUFC, you just never know though…
Finishing Position 2010/11
Positions
1-6 12/1
7-9 5/1
10-12 12/5
13-17 6/5
18-20 9/2
Click here to have a bet on Newcastle Specials for next season. You get a FREE £20 bet with Paddy Power when you bet your first tenner
Of course, all that really matters on Tyneside is that Newcastle finish above Sunderland and maybe give them a good spanking along the way. They are slight favourites to get the edge in the battle of The North East
To finish higher in the Premier League
Newcastle Evens
Sunderland 8/11
Not forgetting this season, The Toon also play Blackpool this weekend and are 12/1 to win 3-0
Back them with a bet – bet £10 and get £20 FREE with Paddy Power