1. They Are A Comfortable Mid-Table Premier League Side Who Have Won A Major Trophy In Recent Years
Swansea are now into their fifth season in the Premier League and in their previous four campaigns they have finished no higher than eighth and no lower than 12th. In fact, in that time they have ended the season in 11th (2011-12), ninth (2012-13), 12th (2013-14), eighth (2014-15) - and they also claimed the 2013 Capital One Cup. Steve McClaren's remit at the Magpies this season is to secure a top-eight finish and to perform well in - if not win - one of the two domestic cup competitions. These are both things Swansea have achieved across the past two seasons. During the campaign after they won the League Cup, Monk led Swansea to their highest-ever Premier League finish in his first full season in charge. This consistency in the league and ability to challenge for trophies is exactly the sort of position the new-look Newcastle United have said they are looking to achieve ever since Mike Ashley made that famous interview on Sky Sports before the West Ham United game in May. Just the same as with the other four points, Newcastle want to emulate Swansea City in this department in the weeks, months and years to come. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.