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:
13. Fabian Schar - 9
Schar has everything Howe wants in a defender. The Switzerland international is a ball-playing centre-back and has definitely improved his all-round defensive game. No surprise to see him handed a new two-year contract. Photo: Ian MacNicol
14. Matt Targett - 8
Forever dependable - playing every minute of the 16 games he was available for on loan from Aston Villa. Whatever the future holds, Newcastle fans will always appreciate Targett’s efforts. Time will tell if he returns next season. Photo: Ian MacNicol
15. Kieran Trippier - 8
You can’t underestimate Trippier’s impact since joining from Atletico Madrid in January- those two free-kicks, his leadership behind the scenes. It was just a shame a fractured metatarsal limited his involvement on the field. | Getty Images
16. Miguel Almiron - 7
Only a few months was Almiron mentioned as a potential departure this summer. Now, after a run in the starting XI and THAT goal against Crystal Palace, maybe he does have a future at St James’ Park. | Getty Images