Cast your mind back to May, as Newcastle were staring down the barrel at relegation after a dismal few months under the management of John Carver. The Magpies had lacked fight and passion all season but were in desperate need for change or a drop to the Championship was inevitable.
Up next, West Ham United, who were managed by former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce – a man who always seemed a little bitter when it came to anything Newcastle related. It was a must win game – anything other than three points opened the door for Hull City to climb out of the relegation zone.
In their hour of need, a hero stepped up – a man that knew the true meaning of survival – Jonas Gutierrez. Just months after successfully beating testicular cancer, Jonas returned to St James’ Park and produced a top-drawer performance – assisting Moussa Sissoko’s opener and scoring a winner late on to secure Newcastle’s fate.
A few months on and it has all changed. Jonas and Carver have gone, with former England manager Steve McClaren replacing the latter. There was significant investment into the first-team squad over the summer, which saw five fresh faces arrived at the club’s Benton base – and so did West Ham.
The Hammers made 12 new, rather astute, signings – including Cameroonian midfielder Alex Song from Barcelona and French playmaker Dimitri Payet from Marseille.
