THE NOTEBOOK: Kieran Trippier joins famous list after being named Newcastle’s Player of The Season

Newcastle secured Champions League qualification with a 0–0 draw against Leicester at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side came into play on Monday well aware that just a point would secure the Magpies’ return to elite European competition.

And despite creating a number of chances to take all three points, a stubborn defense from Leicester saw the points shared.

The Foxes, who have moved up to 18th place, go into the final game of the season against West Ham with fate out of their hands.

Here, Mail Sport’s Tom Collomosse reflects on the main talking points.

JAMES MADDISON’S AWAY RISES EYEBROWS

Rumors swirled through the St James’ Park media center before kick-off that James Maddison was absent from the Leicester squad and with Newcastle interested in the England midfielder, it didn’t take long for people to put two and two together.

Finally, Maddison and Harvey Barnes – another target for the Magpies last summer – were included, although it certainly came as a surprise not to see any of the Foxes’ top scorers in the starting eleven.

In response to a photo request from a young Newcastle fan, Maddison relented by making the ‘V’ for victory sign. If only he had more reason to do so this season.

KIERAN TRIPPER HAS BEEN NAMED PLAYER OF THE SEASON IN NEWCASTLE

Kieran Trippier joined an impressive list of names as he was named Newcastle’s player of the season.

In succeeding Joelinton and claiming the award, the fullback followed in the footsteps of Kevin Keegan, Paul Gascoigne, Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.

Not all winners are equally striking, with Habib Beye, Davide Santon and Mike Williamson among others, but in many ways Trippier is the symbol of Newcastle’s new era.

He joined from Atletico Madrid in January 2022 in a £12 million deal, the club’s first major move since the Saudi-backed takeover, and the club has hardly looked back since he joined.

OWNERS GO TO THE PITCH!

Time for the Newcastle owners to milk the applause at half-time. Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi watched Jamie Reuben, another co-owner, take on the crossbar challenge.

Imagine the reception if Mike Ashley had done the same.

HARRY SOUTTAR IMPRESSES VOXEN

Brendan Rodgers’ final game in charge of Leicester was the 2–1 defeat at Crystal Palace on 1 April – also the last time before this game the Foxes reached half time without conceding.

The inclusion of Harry Souttar was key to Leicester’s improved performance at the back and given Stoke’s January signing had impressed under Rodgers it was a surprise to see Smith take so little action.