Danny Simpson: “It would have been so easy to drop like a stone after Andy left.
“And I guess that’s what a lot of people were thinking when we lost at Fulham and then found ourselves 4-0 down at home to Arsenal.
“Looking back, I suppose we were feeling a bit sorry for ourselves. Andy was a popular lad here and when you lose someone like that, it does affect you.
“And when Shola Ameobi went off with a fractured cheekbone at Craven Cottage, well it did seem as if things were conspiring against us.
“We’ve had some disappointing results but also some great ones.
“Put it this way, it would make a great end-of- season DVD. We’ve had some big wins but also held Man United, Chelsea and Spurs, so I think we’ve proved we can compete with the best.
“I don’t think many people expected this from us back in August when everyone was saying we would really struggle.
“From a personal point of view, it’s been a fantastic season, one I’ll never forget.
“This club has really got under my skin.
“Since I arrived, I’ve had a smile on my face because the move has changed my career.
“I love everything about the place, the city, the people, the passionate size of the stadium and the noise.
“I know it’s said that when you leave Man United, the only way is down because they’re the biggest club in the world.
“But it really doesn’t feel like a step down when you play for Newcastle because it’s massive."
