Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has insisted that the club will not be embroiled in a relegation battle this season.
The Magpies' form in the second half of the last campaign saw them dragged into a fight to remain in the Premier League, which they only escaped courtesy of a 2-0 victory over West Ham United on the final day of the season.
Newcastle reacted by replacing John Carver with Steve McClaren and investing heavily in their squad with the additions of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Chancel Mbemba and Wijnaldum, who is confident that his side will be the team to watch in the top flight over the course of the campaign.
"I think we will surprise some teams," Wijnaldum told the club's official website.
"Last year was not so good because we almost dropped down to another league. However, now, with the type of football we are playing and the players we have, I think we are going to do much better.
"The players who were here have learned from last season, so are stronger, smarter and better, and it will not happen again this year."
Newcastle take on Swansea City in their Premier League clash later today at the Liberty Stadium.
Simon Sinclair
