Newcastle United fans woke up this morning with that Champions League feeling after the Magpies' stalemate with Leicester City took them to the promised land of Europe.
In a season of spectacular victories at St James' Park, with Man United, Tottenham and Aston Villa coming to mind, it was a gritty draw that took Newcastle over the line. Leicester's goal lived a charmed life in reality but a draw mattered not in the end as it took United where they wanted to be.
Newcastle did it with one match left to play and for Eddie Howe he managed to achieve a career highlight. But while Howe was keen to enjoy the moment it felt like a case of: "The hard work starts now."
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Pundits proved wrong about Newcastle's mentality
For the last two months, the talk has been about Liverpool making a late surge into the Champions League spots and snatching a place Newcastle have occupied for 24 weeks of the season compared to the Reds' none.
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville cast an eye over Newcastle's remaining fixtures and wondered if they'd have the mettle to hold on to their place. But in the end, United smashed Brighton & Hove Albion and picked up a point against Leicester.
Liverpool dropped two vital points against Aston Villa and were unable to take it to the last game. But judging by Howe's celebration when the fourth goal went in against the Seagulls, you do wonder if that was the moment he felt Newcastle had pushed Liverpool to the point of no return.
Howe was the last to leave St James' Park last night and before mingling with supporters close to midnight he took in the scenes at the by then empty stadium. His body must still have been tingling after an emotionally-charged night.
In fairness to Neville back in the studio he was quick to praise Howe and said on Sky Sports: "Howe has played a blinder. The next step will be interesting."
Executive meetings to get under way this week
Yasir Al-Rumayyan was present at St James' Park and was afforded the applause of a full house as he made his way around the pitch. The Toon supremo will be the man who sanctions summer spending and has enjoyed some first season with a Carabao Cup final appearance and a place in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe will now be looking for the type of summer shopping spree that maintains team spirit but also adds a layer of quality to his existing squad. Howe has spoken of having a "strong hand" in transfers as he goes into meetings with sporting director Dan Ashworth and has earned the right to have the final say on deals.
There's still something to play for at Chelsea
Manchester United are now favourites to finish third in the Premier League after Newcastle's draw against Leicester City. They face Chelsea at home this week in a game they can leapfrog the Magpies.
Then it's a home clash with Fulham at Old Trafford meaning they can nudge ahead of the Magpies. Newcastle can still hit 72 points and with the FA Cup final sure to be on Man United's mind against Man City, there could be a few tweaks for the Red Devils.
Regardless of Man United's results Newcastle can still hit their best points tally since 1996 with 73. Their 67 goal tally in the Prem is also the highest since 2002.
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