Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 win at Burnley signalled the end of another eventful season for Newcastle United.
In many ways, it was a season like no other, with relegation from the Premier League feeling inevitable as misery continued under Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley.
But who have thought, a 2-1 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers in October would be the last with Ashley as owner.
Since then, the Magpies have had lift-off, with the new owners inspiring new hope and ambition on Tyneside. Bruce was sacked after the first game under the new era.
Pain, in a way, still followed, with Newcastle failing to win any of their opening 14 league games.
But patience was a virtue, and with Eddie Howe at the helm, United, since the turn of the year, surged away from Premier League relegation danger.
A total of 38 points - bettered only by Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur - saw Howe’s side record a 11th placed finish.
Now, the focus turns to next season, where an ambitious Newcastle target bigger and better things.
Here, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Newcastle United player ratings from the 2021/22 season:
5. Ciaran Clark - 6
Hear the name Ciaran Clark, and you probably think back to his sending off against Norwich. He was left out of the 25-man squad in January but supporters should remember him for being a great servant. Overall, he rarely let the club down. Photo: Stu Forster
6. Paul Dummett - 6
Dummett only played three games this season but when he did, he was fully committed to the cause. A big character behind the scenes - according to Eddie Howe, which will continue next season after he penned a one-year contract extension. | Getty Images
7. Federico Fernandez - 6
The ultimate professional, even though his last appearance was in December. Against Norwich City, where he was brought in from the cold after 11 minutes, he was excellent. For £6m, the Argentine has been a bargain. | Getty Images
8. Emil Krafth - 8
The perception towards Krafth has changed significantly. Now, he’s jokingly labelled as the Swedish Cafu. He deputised superbly in Kieran Trippier’s absence, playing his way into Howe’s squad for next season. | Getty Images