Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher agree over ‘bold’ Newcastle United verdict as Champions League spot confirmed

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have been speaking after Newcastle United secured Champions League qualification on Monday night.

The Magpies finally made it official on Monday evening at St James’ Park, sealing their Champions League return after more than two decades away from the competition. Though, they made life difficult for themselves by failing to put away any of their 23 shots against a struggling Leicester City side, who had a big chance of their own to win the game late on.

Eddie Howe’s men only needed a point, though, with Liverpool drawing over the weekend, and a point they got to seal their top four finish.

It’s a historic moment for the Magpies after struggling through numerous torrid times over the last decade or so, in particular, and speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Neville said: “Well done to everyone. When the owners came in, I expected a lavish spending spree, but it’s been bold and measured. They recruited good characters and personalities.”

Fellow pundit Carragher also had his say on the achievement, adding: “I’m delighted for them. They have been impressive with their energy and the football they play. St James’ Park is a joy to go to as a neutral. I think they are two or three years ahead of where I thought they’d be.”

Newcastle will now jostle for third spot with Manchester United over the course of the last weekend, though third place will only be worth a little extra cash for Howe’s men. Due to the club’s lack of history in the Champions League over the last five years, and indeed their lack of UEFA coefficient points, the Magpies will be seeded below Arsenal and Man United in next season’s Champions League group stage draw wherever they finish, and they are likely to find themselves in pot four.