Jonas Gutierrez: “He has to be a serious contender.
“If you look at the results he’s got this season, and if you think of the expectations before the season started, nobody would have expected Newcastle to be in the top six.
“The fans didn’t even think that here. He is doing a great job here. He was last year as well, but we have to keep doing a good job for him.
“If he got manager of the year it will be a proud moment for him and for the players.
“When he came to the club and after what happened with Chris Hughton, it is amazing.
“Back then it was a surprise that Chris didn’t stay.
“The fans enjoyed watching the team under Chris. So it meant Alan came here under a difficult situation.
“But he has focused on his job and done really, really well.
“He’s got a gift. And he can work well during difficult times.
“When you throw in that it was made hard for him in pre-season when a lot of players left it makes it an even better job.”