The Centre Circle

Howay the lads! Congratulations to the Toon! Newcastle are back in the Premiership after an absence of just one season. They were promoted after Nottingham Forest could only draw 0-0 with Cardiff City this afternoon. It means that there will be a party atmosphere tonight at St James Park where the Magpies entertain Sheffield United. It is also a vindication of the ability of much maligned Chris Hughton as a manager; not everyone’s first choice to lead the North East club after they so many problems last season and also a relief for controversial owner Mike Ashley who has a less than cordial relationship with the fans.

Just for the record Newcastle won 2-1 on the night. Richard Cresswell threatened to dampen the celebratory mood when the visitors took a 1-0 lead after 22 minutes, but a penalty from Peter Lovenkrands on the stroke of half time and a spectacular scissor-kick volley from Kevin Nolan 17 minutes from the end meant that Newcastle could go up in style with a victory.

Newcastle no doubt will be a welcome addition to the Premier league and it will be interesting to see how much the club spend in the summer to try and cement a permanent spot in the top flight for years to come.