Gutierrez hails great season

Jonas Gutierrez has become the latest NUFC player to laud what has been a fantastic season for the club.

With an outside chance of finishing as high as third it's safe to say that this season has been a resounding success whatever happens.

Many people tipped us to struggle after the loss of Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique but those players who stayed have performed magnificently and have propelled us into Europe for the first time in five years. That fact is not lost on Jonas, who says now that whatever happens in our final game away at Everton the team can be proud of their achievements this season.

"Whatever happens, we are talking about a great season for Newcastle," Gutierrez told Sky Sports.

"In the last eight games, we have won six, so we have to be pleased with the way we have been playing. We have one more game and we have to keep focused on that. If we win, then we shall see what happens, but it would be fitting to get three points and for us to go out on a high."

"Even if we lose at Everton, we can still be proud of what we have done. Getting into the Champions League would be great, but if we have the Europa League then that too is something fantastic."

He added: "At the start of the season, a lot of people were thinking that with two matches to go, Manchester City would be playing to win the title and Newcastle would be playing a crucial game to try to avoid relegation. Instead, it was a game where everyone was talking about the Champions League. That says it all."

I don't think many people will disagree with what Jonas is saying at all. It has been a successful season regardless and it's one that I'm sure we've all enjoyed immensely. We've proved a whole host of "knowledgeable" pundits and football luminaries wrong, and we've done it whilst playing some good football, certainly in the second half of the season anyway.

The challenge now for the players is to make sure that they don't let this season become a one off. Granted squad strengthening is needed, but that should supplement what we have already in terms of team spirit and determination. It won't matter a jot if the new players coming in get let down by a complacent old guard.

Fortunately I don't think it will happen. We seem to have a winning mentality and don't let our heads drop after a defeat, and if that can continue we'll be alright again next season!

Howay the lads!