I believe reaching 70 points would put Pardew towards a similar footing to KK and Sir Bobby, both reaching 70 (over 38 matches) or more points only once.

If ever you had any doubts as to how big the boost of Champions League football would be to Newcastle United/Mike Ashley, have a look at the Chelsea’s rewards this year.

What a signing Papiss Cissé has proved to be but he could have easily gone to the dark place!

As well as talking about this crucial match for both teams, Martinez revealed that he believed the title of ‘team of the year’ should go to either Newcastle United or whoever wins the league.

On Thursday 24th May, World Cup winner Gordon Banks is travelling to the north east to link up with our very own Peter Beardsley and fellow ex-England international Ray Wilkins.

Relive Cabaye’s beauty against Wigan here and everything crossed for a repeat on Saturday.

This was sophisticated, technical and considered football. And with a constant threat up front (Cisse, blimey!!).

In a great move by Newcastle United, they will unveil a statue of former manager Sir Bobby Robson ahead of the final home game of the season against Manchester City on Sunday 6th May.

So ‘unfortunately’, sunderland will be celebrating at least forty years without European football since their famous continental exploits back in 1973 when they successfully beat European giants Vasas.

I’ll never forget the ‘Who’s your next Messiah, Ant or Dec?’ and ‘Sob on the Tyne’ banners, not to mention the numerous ‘relegation parties’ that Villa fans held.