Newcastle turn up the heat in the race for a Champions League spot

Even the most hardened and optimistic of Newcastle fans would have to admit surprise at how well they have started the season.

With wholesale support still supposedly lacking for boss Alan Pardew, due to the manner of his appointment, it is a testament to how well he has built and nurtured his squad that they remain unbeaten ten games into the Premier League season.

Available at 25/1 to achieve a top four finish, the Magpies’ performances so far appear to highlight this as a hugely exaggerated price.

The loss of Andy Carroll in January had Toon Army fans in a state of panic, and this was only enhanced when little of the £35 million received for his services appeared to be re-invested in the squad.

However, the free transfer signing of Demba Ba, has proved that less can be more.

With two Premier League hat-tricks to his name already, St. James’s Park’s newest hero appeals at lengthy 25/1 odds to win the Premier League Golden Boot.

The Senegalese striker has already notched eight league goals.

The signing of Yohan Cabaye also appears to be a tremendous bit of business on the part of boss Pardew.

Arriving from French champions Lille, the fact that Newcastle beat off competition from several European giants to secure his signature seems to be an indication that they are a club moving forwards, and the midfielder has already demonstrated his class in his the black and white shirt.

With new arrivals integrating into the side seamlessly, it makes the +37 points Newcastle received in the divisional handicap betting at the season’s inception seem an immensely generous total.

Newcastle are now joint-favourites with Man City to win in the divisional handicap betting and can still be backed with +37 points at 9/4.