The Magpies - trophyless since 1969 and facing another season without silverware - are currently 11th in the Barclays Premiership.

Roeder acknowledges changes need to be made, and has several targets he hopes to bring to St James' Park for next season.

But he said: "I just think it's about time we started to come out of hibernation and make some strides over the next couple of years.

"To solve a problem you have to admit there's one - and the problem at the moment is we haven't got a Champions League squad.

"We've brought too many players into the club who are past their shelf life.

"The squad does need to be changed - there's no doubt about it - we haven't done well enough over the last few years."

Roeder is hoping chairman Freddy Shepherd gives him the financial backing he believes is necessary to improve the club's fortunes.

He said: "If I get the right players you will see the results on the pitch next year.

"The chairman is aware of the players I am looking at and hasn't said 'you shouldn't be looking at that quality'.

"I'd assume that the sort of money we would need to acquire players will be made available."