Newcastle United must be ruthless and take no prisoners as favourable fixtures approach

Where do we pitch our ambition? It was put to me unexpectedly during a Chronicle podcast last week and my immediate reaction without time for consideration was to sweep away any ceiling beyond which everything is unattainable. That reply sent an eyebrow shooting upwards.

I guess in the case of Geordies we are talking about when Newcastle United, having fought against crippling injuries after soaring to great heights, can make their permanent breakthrough since a takeover produced hope instead of fear and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Premier League giants.

I will always argue that shy bairns get nowt. When United avoided relegation shortly after the arrival of new owners and a new manager would it have been called over ambitious to say the next season aim was a top four finish, Champions League qualification, and a Wembley cup final? Yet we made it on all accounts.

Was it too ambitious for Leicester to dream of winning the Premier League title even during their momentous season? For Wigan Athletic to dare contemplate beating Manchester City having made the FA Cup final? Show me self imposed restrictions and I will show you failure. Aim low and you finish low.

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I wrote a book, The Impossible Dream, with Sunderland's goal hero Ian Porterfield when he won the FA Cup at Wembley from the platform of the Second Division against the mightiest of sides Leeds United in 1973. For every club it is not a matter of merely dreaming but of going after the ultimate prize with utter determination, with detailed planning, and with unshakable belief that nought is impossible. Then the impossible can just become possible.

Dreams are the fresh air that fills the lungs of every football fan. We must believe Newcastle can win silverware and Gateshead can make it back to the Football League if we support. Take that away and what is the point? The belief in aiming for the stars ought to be across the broad spectrum of a club from the boardroom to manager's office, dressing-room, and on to the terraces. If it is not I have only one question: why?

Of course amid a relentless drive for success it is still necessary to retain a sense of reality, to not expect the unexpected as a matter of course, but that does not mean you cannot go beyond dreaming and actually plot. Plot for sustained success if backed by heavy money and not a fleeting flirtation with champagne and caviar which is for those financially under privileged. United do not want to dip in and dip out but to dip in permanently.

In the meantime back at base Geordies are being allowed a little time to draw breath before a final charge aimed at Europe and a rising from the dead. Before attempting to put another brick in the wall.

Tottenham smacked and put to bed, Newcastle can rest and then chase the offer of nine points against the PL's lesser mortals _ Crystal Palace away, Sheffield United at home, and Burnley away. All right, two are when 50,000 Geordies are not in attendance to lend an influence but they are hardly likely to strike terror even into faint hearts. As for Sheff U, we slaughtered them 8-0 at their place!

Yes Palace produced a huge shock winning with backs to the wall at Liverpool but that put them well clear of any relegation threat and therefore they are left with little to play for but respectability.

Time to put the foot on the accelerator, to be ruthless, take no prisoners, give not an inch. Do you want it badly enough? Ten points out of the last 12 suggest NUFC most certainly do. Actually the aim has to be three wins, not just to remain unbeaten. The same rule always applies. Timid Timothy gets not a thing. Brave Billy gets the girl.

Local hero Les Ferdinand came back to town, NUFC Legends organised the dinner, and an impressive £14,405 was raised for the admirable Tiny Lives Trust.

It was a partnership made in heaven, those whose love is judged in black and white and a good cause. Fans Terry Sweeney and Les Hancock were behind the do at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park which was sponsored by Baltic Mortgage Solutions when Sir Les was honoured for the two explosive years he played with Newcastle United.

They saw United finish second in the Premier League both seasons, the closest the club have come to winning the league since way back in 1927.

First paired with Peter Beardsley and then Alan Shearer (with Pedro still in the team) Ferdinand scored a whopping 50 goals in 84 appearances. A terrific effort by all in reaching a staggering £14,000. It is a sports night at its best.