Newcastle interim manager Graeme Jones believes he will be handing over an improving side after Isaac Hayden's equaliser forced a 1-1 draw at 10-man Brighton.
The result lifted the Magpies off the foot of the Premier League table in front of their prospective new boss Eddie Howe.
Brighton took the lead from the penalty spot through Leandro Trossard but, against the run of play, Newcastle struck a leveller in the 65th minute when the ball fell to Hayden, who volleyed into the back of the net.
Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off at the death for impeding Callum Wilson, with defender Lewis Dunk forced to briefly take the gloves and go between the sticks, yet the Seagulls held on.