BBC pundit makes bold Newcastle United prediction in glowing assessment of new owners

Garth Crooks has heaped praise on the 'remarkable' job our new owners are doing at Newcastle, boldly predicting that a Premier League title is 'not out of the question' over the next four years.

In just over 12 months, the progress the club has made under the new ownership has been extraordinary - and more and more people in the media like Crooks are waking up to just how impressive our resurgence has been.

On Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben, the 64-year-old has been most impressed with their ability to 'run the club quietly and effectively' as well as the 'astute' appointments of Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth.

The ex-Tottenham man then made the perhaps outlandish claim that Newcastle could challenge for the Premier League title in the next four years - a feat very few supporters would have predicted.

Right now, fans are perfectly content with playing exciting football, making steady progression and watching the club become a part of the community again - winning trophies and European football are just long-term goals.

Here's what Crooks told the BBC when reflecting on the new owner's first year in charge:

“One year into the controversial Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of Newcastle United and there’s not been one mention of Mike Ashley. Ask most Geordies about the takeover and they only want to talk about the future and the possibilities.

"There was a feeling that Amanda Staveley and her consortium might have been a little out of their depth having originally tried and failed to buy the North East club.

“Some even thought she may have acted in haste having bought Newcastle, only to see Chelsea suddenly become available, which might have been seen as a more attractive business proposition by some.

“However, what has taken place since the arrival of Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben at St James’ Park has been nothing short of remarkable. It started with the astute appointment of Eddie Howe, followed by the arrival of the former Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth.

“There have also been the signings of a number of carefully selected players who haven’t cost a fortune, at least at modern-day prices, and are there for the long haul.

"What is most impressive is the owners have got on with the business of running the club quietly and effectively. At this rate a Premier League title is not out of the question in four years. What a prospect.”