Eddie Howe deserves to win the Manager of the Year award after steering Newcastle to safety and towards the top half, according to defender Dan Burn.
The former Bournemouth boss took charge of the Toon in November when they were second bottom with only five points.
But they are now 11th and closer to the European places than the relegation zone, with Howe becoming the first Newcastle manager since Sir Bobby Robson to oversee six straight wins at St James' Park.
'I agree with those who say he is a real contender when you see what he has done,' said Burn, one of Howe's five January signings.