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:
9. Jamaal Lascelles - 7
At the beginning of the campaign, Lascelles looked a player terribly out of form. By the end, although his game time was restricted by Burn and Fabian Schar, United’s captain looked closer to his former self in a well-organised side. Photo: Stu Forster
10. Jamal Lewis - 6
Just when Lewis looked to be building ahead of steam under Howe, the left-back pulled his hamstring against Liverpool in December. Then left out of the 25-man squad following Matt Targett’s arrival, time will tell if the 24-year-old has a future on Tyneside. | Getty Images
11. Javier Manquillo - 6
Manquillo was brilliant for filling in at right-back or left-back but when it came to staking a regular spot in the starting XI, the Spaniard fell short. When Trippier got injured, Krafth stepped up when everyone expected Manquillo to. | Getty Images
12. Matt Ritchie - 6
Ritchie’s campaign is more about what he did off the pitch, rather than on it as he last started a Premier League game in December. A big leader in the dressing room, a great servant since joining in 2016. United owe a lot to Matt Ritchie. Photo: Stu Forster