Guardian report of last night's 3-3 draw with Southampton that gave Liverpool the final CL spot and put the Geordies in danger of missing out on Europe altogether.
'Newcastle's underwhelming season has come full circle. A campaign that began with the heartbreak of losing a Champions League qualifier will end in disappointment, without a place in Europe's top club competition for next season.
A late equaliser from Darren Ambrose saved a point for Newcastle after poor defending, the woodwork and two fine saves by Southampton's Alan Blayney did much to deny them the win they needed, and so fourth place goes to Liverpool.
There is no guarantee the misery for Sir Bobby Robson's team will not deepen. Newcastle may not even have the consolation of the Uefa Cup this time. They will have to win at Liverpool on Saturday - and hope Aston Villa do not manage to do so at home to Manchester United, or draw if Villa lose - to get fifth spot.
Robson admitted: "To finish sixth this season will be a disaster for this club. It will be a blow to our finances, our reputation and our prestige. We’ve given away some silly goals again tonight and I’ve lost count of the number of points we’ve thrown away in the last few minutes this season. But it’s not over yet. We’ll go to Liverpool looking to win on Saturday and I’m sure Manchester United won’t give up the ghost at Aston Villa."