Can Rafa Benitez turn Newcastle into a top-six side after securing Premier League football? It will take a lot of spending, but they can do it

NEWCASTLE UNITED made an immediate return to the Premier League in 2016/17, winning the Championship after finishing one point clear of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Now, the challenge will be to not only stay in the top tier but thrive there.

Manager Rafa Benitez will be tasked not simply with guaranteeing safety or the comfort of mid-table, but with leading the charge back into Europe, where many fans – and neutrals – feel the club belongs.

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Our friends at took a look at just how difficult it will be for Newcastle to achieve a top six finish upon their return to the Premier League.

Why Newcastle can become a top six team

Newcastle have only finished in the top six on eight occasions since the Premier League era began, with their highest position being second place, which they achieved in both 1996 and 1997.

In addition, they haven’t won the top tier since 1927 and the last major honour they clinched was the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

But, in spite of this relative lack of sustained top-level success, Newcastle remain one of English football’s biggest clubs for the sheer size and passion of their fan base. Indeed, in 2016/17 their average attendance for home games in the league was over 50,000.

This figure was not only the highest in the Championship by a good distance, but was also higher than all bar five Premier League clubs in the same season, beaten only by , , West Ham United, Manchester City and .

Clearly Newcastle have, both in numbers and fanaticism, one of the best support bases in the English game, meaning the groundwork is there for a top six club.