The defender was arguably former boss Sam Allardyce's best signing, with many fans naming Beye as the club's player of the year last season.

But Beye – who hopes to make his first appearance of pre-season against PSV Eindhoven tonight after recovering from an Achilles problem – believes he is only as good as his next campaign.

And the 30-year-old – signed from Olympique Marseille last summer – is knuckling down ahead of the season-opener away to Manchester United.

"When people say you are one of the players of the season, it is good," Beye said.

"But I need to work again to improve and play well.

"For my first season, it was good. It's difficult to come to England and play in the Premier League.

"I was in France before, where the football is different.

"When I came to Newcastle, I was very happy. Newcastle is a big club, and I like to play at St James's Park in front of 52,000 people.

"But I know I need to play well, and have another good season.

"I'm not here to play one year, and that is all.

"I want to play well for the whole season.

"I have a three-year contract, and my ambition is to play much better than last season.

"I want to progress.

"I know the Premier League now, and it's good for me to play in Newcastle.

"Hopefully, it will be a great season for the team."

Beye – who travelled to Palma for the Mallorca Summer Cup but did not feature in either of Newcastle's games – returned to training last Thursday.

And the Senegal international is hoping to play some part in United's penultimate friendly.

Beye said: "I have a little problem in my Achilles – an inflamation.

"I've started training, and maybe I can play against PSV.

"I am looking forward to playing at St James's again. I love playing for the Newcastle fans."