Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that he is proud of his players following their fifth-placed finish in the Premier League.

A 3-1 defeat at Everton, coupled with victories for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, saw the Magpies narrowly miss out on a Champions League spot on the final day.

However, Pardew believes that his players must take credit for their impressive campaign.

"It has been a tremendous season. We have played every game to try and win," he told Sky Sports News.

"We are very proud of what we have achieved, but it is something to build on. We have got to improve in certain areas. But we have made great inroads to the bigger clubs. That is credit to the players."

Newcastle will compete in the Europa League next season.

Written by
Jack Prescott