Nobby Solano views Newcastle United's year under new ownership as one of progress after the Magpies swapped fighting against relegation for pushing for the top seven.
The Peru legend helped the Magpies qualify for the Champions League during the Sir Bobby Robson era at St James' Park and missed out narrowly on winning the FA Cup in 1999 when United lost to Man United at Wembley. But he dreams those days could soon return thanks to the arrival of the Saudi-backed PIF and Amanda Staveley.
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After sitting down and taking a look back on the last year since the takeover, Solano told Chronicle Live: "They are making progress but it was never going to be easy. They are now playing better football under Eddie Howe and playing in a more attacking way.
"There are still some of the same players here but there has been good investment and blend well. But the club are building and Eddie is trying to find the right team.
"It's not easy when new players are coming every six months but they can be proud of what they have done so far. It looks more competitive and they show they can push further forward.
"You want to see Newcastle pressing teams high up the pitch. And that's what is happening, they are trying to get into games quicker.
"They are no longer sitting back like they were before the takeover. It will still take time but you are always going to need results."
The next 12 months will be just as intriguing as Newcastle look to at least cement that place in the top 10 and potentially start looking further ahead. So what should be the next logical step?
Solano said: "I think the next natural step is the top eight. "They are seventh at the moment so they are maybe on course. I believe that top 10 would be good progress. But seventh or eighth should be the challenge for the players.
"If you finish there you could get a European spot. That would be wonderful for everybody from Eddie to the players. That for me is the next target."
Newcastle can book a place in round four of the League Cup if they see off Crystal Palace next month at St James' Park. United have not played in a major final since the days of Solano in 1999.
The legendary star said: "You want to win trophies. Any trophy can it started, the League Cup or the FA Cup. Newcastle are still alive in both cups. I have had the honour of playing at Wembley in the FA Cup final sadly we did not win it.
"It was a pleasure to take all those fans to Wembley. Unfortunately we lost to one of the best ever Man United teams that won the Champions League that year. If Newcastle could win that first domestic trophy since 1955 it would be credit to everybody at the club and the new owners."
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