In 2008-09 we finished second, they got relegated. They have come a long way now since then. Hughton played a major part in getting them promoted, but I doubt he could have got that team to finish in the top 6. Pardew is a very able manager. He has improved Newcastle United- something we cannot say about the managers we have had since Rafa. There are some proper c**** in that team and a not very likeable manager, but they are doing very well in the league. For a team like Newcastle, the league and CL are out of reach - even fourth is out of their range. Given the money spent and the circumstances, they have achieved a lot more than what was expected.