It has been a momentous year for supporters of Newcastle United as the departure of former owner Mike Ashley has heralded a return of ambition and drive to St James Park.
For the first time since the days of Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson, the St James Park faithful are dreaming of what could lie ahead under new ownership.
They were made to wait for it too!
For over two years, the PIF-led consortium were left frustrated by red tape and legal challenges before the deal was unexpectedly passed by the Premier League in October last year.
Now backed by one of the world’s most wealthy investment funds, and with the leadership of Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben, Newcastle look set for a return to the days when anything seemed possible and European football was a regular fixture on Tyneside.
Despite the lucrative takeover, the Magpies are still looking from the outside when it comes to the Deloitte Football Money League, with their £170.1m income leaving them in 28th place in the rankings.
That income is dwarfed by Premier League rivals Leeds United, Everton, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool - and will show the new owners just how far they have to go behind the scenes.
Newcastle World takes a look at how the Magpies have performed over the last 25 years of the Deloitte Football Money League.
9. 2005/06 - 12th
Newcastle shock the football world by signing England striker Michael Owen for a club record fee. Performances on the pitch don’t match those off it and United slide one place. Photo: Alex Livesey
10. 2006/07 - 14th
United enjoy a run to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup as Glenn Roeder made the most of some astute signings - but a poor performance in the Premier League leaves the Magpies on the slide as they sit in 14th place in the Money League. Photo: PAUL COOKNEY
11. 2007/08 - 17th
A shock takeover sees Sports Direct magnate Mike Ashley take control at St James Park. United also slide to their lowest point in the Money League since 2000 as they end the year in 17th.
12. 2008/09 - Outside of the top 20
A disaster of a season consisting of four managers and the end of the Magpies 16-year stay in the Premier League as they are relegated to the Championship. They also slide out of the Money League top 20 for the first time. Photo: Michael Steele