The recruitment of Rafa Benitez is arguably the most ambitious thing Newcastle have done since Mike Ashley took control in 2007.
In their desperation to avoid relegation, Newcastle ripped up the head coach model and somehow managed to attract a world-class manager to lead the rescue mission.
If only the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager had been given more time.
If only Newcastle had sacked McClaren at the start of the last international break, after yet another abject away defeat at Chelsea.
Had Benitez been in charge for the two defeats against Stoke City and Bournemouth, Newcastle would surely have collected more points.
As the Toon prepare for life in the Sky Bet Championship, FLW's Conor McGilligan has identified FOUR players Newcastle fans need to say goodbye to in the summer.....
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FOUR PLAYERS!
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Steven Taylor
The 30-year-old has enjoyed a 20-year association with the Magpies, but looks set to leave at the end of the current campaign after a gradual decrease in performance levels.
Taylor is a product of the Newcastle academy and has spent his whole career with the north east outfit, making over 200 appearances since earning his debut in 2003.
But his worth is meagre now as Taylor features barely ever for Newcastle's starting 11.
With Lascelles now a featured number 1 centre back with Mbemba, Taylor is now severely cancelled out.
Taylor has not even been named in the matchday 18 for the matches against Liverpool, Manchester City and Swansea, with Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba and Kevin Mbabu all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Taylor, 30, is out of contract at the end of June and has not been offered a new deal by the club, with there no prospect of that happening.
Fabricio Coloccini
It is unlikely that club captain Coloccini will play again this seaso,n and he does not fit in to Newcastle’s future plans as Benitez is looking to build the defence around younger players.
There is a growing possibility Newcastle and the Argentine, who has been at the club for eight years, could agree a severance package to end his contract 12 months early.
His performances this season have been very poor and have Newcastle fans praying for the veterans exit.
Rafa has installed new hope for the Geordies or the upcoming season after a superb ending to the season, a 5-1 battering of near table toppers, Spurs.
Coloccini has somehow been in the Toon starting line up under 4 of the previous bosses but now, even when injury passes, under Rafa, looks to be frozen out.
The new backline of Mbemba and Lascelles seems to be working for Newcastle, so long may it continue in The Championship.
Jack Colback
After Colback's controversial comments about being on the receiving side of relegation with Sunderland hit an ironic high this week, the ex-Mackem has been truly vilified for his comments.
Colback's lethargic play comes with heavy criticism as he only seems to turn up for certain games, if any.
His contributions this season have been minimalistic and next to nothing.
Newcastle's position after all isn't down to their quality of player but infact the poor displays on the pitch this season, encompassing a lack of effort and fight.
Colback unfortunately has been one of these players. An ironic cheer when he equalised at Anfield summed up his negative aura around Tyneside.
His departure could make way for a leader or someone with real Championship experience, the attraction of Rafa Benitez could bring expert midfielders to Tyneside, with little room for deadwood.
Papiss Cisse
The Senegal striker isn't on some of the Toon army's favoured list.
His departure could make way for an experienced Championship striker pulling in half Cisse's wage budget.
The lack of goals, assists, pragmatism, drive, passion are all just some of the aspects Cisse's overall game seems to lack.
Rafa does seem to rate Cisse and says that he has put in more effort in training than any other, but we all know that in the summer if Rafa could he would bring in a 20 goal a season striker, which is something Newcastle desperately need.
But it could be the Great Wall of China looming for Cisse, who has already been offered the chance to play there.
What do you think Newcastle fans? Should these players depart this window? Leave your thoughts and comments below!