Great strides have been taken - but what comes next?

YESTERDAY was four years to the day since the takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment fund, the Reuben family and Amanda Staveley was confirmed.

- By SEAN MCCORMICK

Thousands of fans descended on St James’ Park to celebrate and ‘cans’ was the word of the moment as the Toon Army drank in the exciting possibilities of what their new future would look like.

It was a takeover that brought some uncomfortable questions, too, given Saudi Arabia's human rights record, and the Premier League had to be satisfied they weren't to be governed by a nation state.

But after years of stasis under Mike Ashley, the club has transformed from also-rans into genuine contenders on the pitch and have made great strides off the pitch to become more competitive - both domestically and in Europe.

Under the management of Eddie Howe, who was appointed head coach with the Magpies in the Premier League's relegation zone, Newcastle have twice qualified for the Champions League and won their first major trophy since 1969 by winning the Carabao Cup last season.