I was having a discussion with a few mates who are also Newcastle United fans, following the Fulham game.

Part of that discussion was the possibility of still qualifying for Europe this season.

We were talking about how it compared to last season's relatively (serious) injury free run to fourth place and Champions League football.

Something that none of us I guess believed possible and last season we'd more realistically focused on reaching one of the other European competitions.

Then one mate came out with this:

"I think we have done better overall up to now than we did last season, considering..."

That was before he was cut short by a series of expletives.

After a nigh-on mutiny, the pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth, he was allowed to expand his thoughts.

"Considering on paper a difficult start to the campaign and what unfolded and continues to date, an unprecedented catalogue of mostly long-term (some repeat) injuries as a team / squad, they have achieved nothing short of a miracle.

"Has any other team with a near whole side of 11 (or more) first team squad players out of action for most of the season, competed to the level we have and still be in with a shout of European football again next season?

"Plus don't forget the Tonali saga.

"Are Eddie, the staff and players in the process of yet another admirable achievement against all the odds?

"I wonder what The Mag readers would say?"

So, there you go.

He said it, not me!