Pardew proud of Newcastle achievements
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was full of pride at his club's achievements this season despite completing the campaign outside of the UEFA Champions League places.
And Pardew has set his sights even higher for the future.
The St James' Park club finished in fifth position and will play in the 2012/13 Europa League as a result of a final-day 3-1 defeat at Everton combined with victories for Arsenal and Tottenham.
For Pardew, there was understandably some frustration at failing to break into the top four with a side who at the beginning of the season had been tipped as relegation candidates.
But the Newcastle boss, who has overhauled his squad with stars such as Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote and Hatem Ben Arfa, hoped it is just a start.
Pardew told Sky Sports: "It has been a tremendous season. We have played every game to try and win.
"Even here, at 2-0 down, we were pushing the game. We are very proud of what we have achieved.
"But it is something to build on. We have got to improve in certain areas. But we have made great inroads to the bigger clubs. That is credit to the players.
"We have got a European campaign on top, so it won't be easy. But it has been a magnificent effort.
"To finish above the likes of Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea, it is a fantastic achievement."