"Fifth place is not good enough. We expect to finish at least fourth." Freddy Shepherd after securing 5th place with a 1-1 draw at Anfield (May 16 2004)

"Bobby has another 12 months left on his contract and everyone knows that. That's a fact. You don't sack Sir Bobby Robson." Freddy Shepherd quashing talk that Sir Bobby could get the boot (May 16 2004)

"Unless they want to pay £50million for him then they shouldn't call." Freddy Shepherd rubbishing transfer speculation linking Jonathan Woodgate with Man Utd & Arsenal (May 16 2004)

"We have to improve next season or there will not be many of us left playing for Newcastle because that is where the club wants to be." Craig Bellamy (May 20 2004)

"To play at St. James' Park would be a dream come true for me, even just to come on for a minute! I've always wanted to do that." Steven Taylor pressing for more first-team games (May 22 2004)

"Newcastle are a big club, huge, and any footballer would have to consider any interest from them. But it's just speculation at this stage and there hasn't been any contact from the club." Danny Mills commenting on being linked with a move to Newcastle (May 23 2004)

"I may have a meeting in the next couple of days with Sir Bobby Robson to discuss a possible transfer to Newcastle." Mido trying to engineer a move to Newcastle, unbeknown to Sir Bobby or anyone at the club (May 25 2004)

"I would not look away from St. James' Park. It is a big club with huge, fanatical support and we all want success. We were fighting relegation when Sir Bobby first came and now we expect to be in the Champions League every season." Shay Given talking about his desire to stay at Newcastle amid speculation linking him with a move away (May 26 2004)

"I know I'll be wanting to improve my goal tally, even doubling it. I don't see why I can't do that next season." Shola Ameobi having scored 10 goals during 2003-04 talks about grabbing 20 this season (May 28 2004)

"I do feel sorry for the manager when people say he has lost the dressing room. He hasn't. We have just under-performed. Hopefully that won't happen again." Kieron Dyer refuting claims that the players have stopped playing for their manager (May 28 2004)

"It's about fulfilling that potential now. I am not classed as a young player now. It's time I have to start doing it." Kieron Dyer (May 29 2004)

"If Newcastle accept a bid from any club, I would turn it down because I have not done myself justice to the Geordies." Kieron Dyer (May 29 2004)

"Yeah, I did talk to Alan on how to get over my problems and he gave me some valuable advice. Other players have endured worse injuries than me and come back better. Alan is probably the best example. He's a guy that I have total respect for." Craig Bellamy hailing the advice, support and friendship of his Skipper during his spells out with injuries (May 30 2004)