Pod On The Tyne: an independent NUFC podcast

That was the season that was, bloody miserable.
Newcastle rounded off their Premier League campaign in the fashion that has become depressingly routine most of this term: toothless, feckless, listless... maybe even witless.
Bruno Guimaraes's recent return to the team brought some direction and purpose, but even he had an off-day in his last appearance before the World Cup. There's work to do to get this ship back on course.

We all love a stadium update; twice a year there's some sort of contractual shenanigans with ten square feet of concrete being transferred from one shell company to another. Is it any different this time?
The long answer is, we don't know, but there is a long (albeit not overly complicated) explanation of why the purchase of a large portion of Leazes Terrace and rumours of external investment may be a little more interesting(asterix) than usual.
On the football front, we will end the Premier League season with a game at Fulham (as always). Sadly, Europe isn't on the cards, but there may be one or two intriguing sideshows with Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar said to be heading for pastures new.
(asterix)opinions will vary

It's the last home game of the season and relegation contenders West Ham serve as the opposition in a game with very little riding on it for Newcastle.
Hopes of European qualification are real, but miniscule, and with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth departing the club this was a chance to say thanks to them before looking to the future.

Eddie Howe's starting team at Nottingham Forest featured the return of Nick Woltemade in a no. 10-ish role and Lewis Hall at right-back. Has the head coach decided to try out a few ideas and, if so, how much can we read into them?
Dan Burn has been talking to George about a new venture in Newcastle's public parks; we get the lowdown on that with an extended interview available to Extra Tyne subscribers later this week (find out more at podonthetyne.supportingcast.fm).
Two more local heroes to acknowledge as well. Congratulations and a hearty salute to Charlotte Potts as she retires from football, plus news of a job-change for Shola Ameobi.

When the season officially comes to a close, it will be a blessed relief. Newcastle's ability to throw away winning positions means they are never safe and it's exhausting.
This time it was Elliot Anderson who arrived late and forced the ball home with the sort of drive and belief that is testament to his qualities and highlights the frailties of his former team.