Town manager Roy Keane says that Newcastle carrying off the Championship title was no surprise to him. The Magpies will receive the trophy after Saturday’s game against the Blues at St James’ Park.
Keane, a former Sunderland manager, told the club site: "I thought it was guaranteed and straightforward that they would go up, particularly after I saw them at the start of the season.
"They did well against West Brom early on and they obviously beat us at our place, so it's no surprise to me they have won the league.
"They have the best players, the most experienced players. They are physically very strong and they have fantastic support behind them.
"Chris Hughton has done a great job there. He has kept his group of players together. They have not lost many players from last season and he brought in players at the right time in January."