· 26 May 2025, 10:30
**Newcastle United signed off their most successful season in decades on Sunday. The Magpies ended with a defeat, but there was soon a party atmosphere inside St James' Park when it was confirmed that Eddie Howe's men had qualified for the Champions League.**
The defeat to Everton meant we were relying on results elsewhere, and thankfully for us, Manchester United chose the final game of the season to actually turn up and put in a performance as they beat Aston Villa 2-0, assuring Newcastle of a place in the Champions League via goal difference.
Even if we had missed out on the Champions League, though, we'd still be looking back on the most successful season in recent memory thanks to that magical Carabao Cup win in March.
Newcastle hoisted a domestic trophy for the first time in 70 years this season, and no matter where we finished in the Premier League, that would have been enough to make it the most successful season in decades, with our last major honour coming 56 years ago.
> [](https://twitter.com/brunoog97/status/1926741042977492997)
Bruno Guimaraes has looked back on a busy season
------------------------------------------------
Bruno Guimaraes was handed the captaincy at the start of the season, which raised a few eyebrows at the time, but we can't argue with the results. Now, the Brazilian has sent a message to the fans following the curtain coming down on his first season as captain.
> "What a season — one I’ll never forget. I couldn’t be prouder of this team and our incredible fans. Together, we’ve written the most unforgettable chapter in the club’s history. After 70 long years, we brought home a trophy — and got the Champions League twice in three years. A dream that once felt distant is now our reality. Personally, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude — playing all 38 Premier League games and lifting a trophy in my first year as captain is something I’ll cherish forever. I thank God for every moment and my family for being my constant support. This is more than football — this is legacy. See you soon, Geordies.🖤🤍3️⃣9️⃣"
With the passion Bruno shows for this club, you'd be forgiven for thinking he was born in the RVI and grew up in Heaton.
Bruno was happy but he also had a message for the board
-------------------------------------------------------
While Bruno was full of joy with his post on X, he did send the board a message in a post-match interview with Sky Sports (h/t Geordie Boot Boys) where he said Newcastle aren't at the level he wants and that new players are desperately needed.
> “We have improved a lot, but I think we’re not at the level that I want.“I think for next season, we are going to need more players to be honest with you, because I think the squad is a little bit short.“We have seen it last year when we played in the Champions League, we lost some players for injury and then it was busy for us. I think we can improve our level because next year, our season will have one more competition.
>
> “We need to work hard now, have an amazing holiday. We need to improve of course but we’re very, very happy.”