Newcastle United are 10 points clear of the play-off places in the Championship with six games to go.
Matt Ritchie celebrates after scoring the first goal for Newcastle United
Newcastle United are closing in on an instant return to the Premier League.
Although third place Huddersfield have a game in hand, it is hard to see the Magpies slipping up.
If Rafa Benitez does manage to guide the club to a return to the top flight at the first attempt, would simply staving off relegation next season really be enough for the Tyneside club?
Throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s Newcastle were often one of the teams challenging for the Premier League crown, finishing runners up in the 1995-96 and 96-97 seasons.
Newcastle continued to challenge for a place in Europe until the 2003-04 season, where they finished fifth and exited the Champion’s League in the qualifying rounds.
They have arguably been in a steady decline in recent years, culminating in their relegation from the top flight last season.
However, the club still has the history and stature in their favour to expect more than simply maintaining their top flight status.
It might be too much to dream of a return to European football for the Geordies but a challenge for a top 10 finish and a good domestic cup run should be within the realm of possibility.
Before these ambitions can be met though, Benitez must first guide his side through the latter stages of the Championship season, starting with their away fixture to promotion hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
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