Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will happily accept European qualification as concrete proof of his side's excellent season.
The Londoners, who fought a desperate battle for top-flight survival at the end of last season, condemned Newcastle to just that challenge with a 1-0 victory at St James' Park on Saturday which left them on the brink of claiming a place in the Europe League.
That would represent a major achievement for Hodgson's men, although he admits the euphoria of clinching their best Premier League finish would soon be replaced by the worry of how they are going to repeat it next season.
Hodgson said: "It would mean a lot. We are all in agreement this has been a very good season for the club so already, we can give ourselves a little pat on the back because we have had a good season.
"We have finished in the highest-ever position with the highest points total.
"But if you actually made it into Europe, then you have got an even more tangible evidence of that success because you can say it was a very good season, so much so that we were among the seven best teams in the Premier League and we got into Europe on the back of it.
"Of course, we will be quite anxious next week to try to get that victory, or possibly that point, which will see us in seventh place.
"Then we will have a few days where we will congratulate ourselves - and then we will probably turn grey overnight wondering how the hell we are going to repeat it next season."
The win at St James' Park was secured by Diomansy Kamara's 41st-minute strike, although amid huge controversy, at least for the home side.
Erik Nevland was just about onside as he broke free down the right, but Kamara looked to be offside as he controlled before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
However, referee Howard Webb was to slip further in the estimation of the Tyneside public when five minutes after the restart, he chalked off Mark Viduka's header for a foul by Kevin Nolan on keeper Mark Schwarzer.
Television replays suggested Mr Webb had been rather generous to the visitors, and Magpies boss Alan Shearer was in little doubt the official had got it badly wrong.
Fulham's cause received another boost on the hour when Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong was dismissed for hauling Kamara down, but although they dominated possession for long periods afterwards, it took two superb late saves by Schwarzer from Obafemi Martins, who also hit the post before the break, and Nicky Butt to ensure victory.
Hodgson said:
"We came here to some extent as sacrificial lambs today," said Hodgson.
"It was a great win here today. I feel sorry for Newcastle - they deserved better, we rode our luck on several occasions.
"We are thankful for a very good performances from our back four and goalkeeper.
"But of course, your back four and goalkeeper are also part of your team and if you are going to have a good team, you are going to need a good back four and goalkeeper.
"Fortunately, that's what we have got and that's what we showed on Saturday.
"But Newcastle's performances against Middlesbrough and against us must give them hope that they are going to win their final game and possibly still retain the Premier League status."