Newcastle return to Champions League for first time in 20 years

Liverpool's draw with Aston Villa last weekend meant Newcastle, who finished third, needed just one point from their remaining two games to secure a place in next season's Champions League, and Howe's side achieved that in their first attempt at St James' Park against Leicester.

Newcastle officially won a place in the Champions League next season

"It was a real relief after the game, a great night. You always hope and you have to dream. But we didn't feel we were ready for the top four. After the relegation battle last season, it was a question of whether we could consolidate and become a better team. I have to credit the whole team, they got the results of their own labour," said Howe after the game.

Newcastle's remarkable rise from relegation candidates to fourth in the Premier League in just 18 months is a tribute to Howe's leadership and the financial might of the club's Saudi-backed ownership group.

Coach Howe left his mark in his first season leading Newcastle

The Magpies also reached their first domestic final since 1999 this season, but lost to Manchester United in the League Cup.

After two decades in the English top flight since Bobby Robson last guided Newcastle to the Champions League, Newcastle believe they can sustain their transformation into title contenders now among the elite of European football.

Leicester face relegation risk

Meanwhile, just seven years after their fairytale Premier League title, Leicester are on the brink of relegation for the 12th time in their history, still stuck in the relegation zone. Dean Smith's side have won just one of their last 15 games. They are two points behind Everton in the safe zone. Leicester will be relegated if Everton win their final game against Bournemouth.

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