With the season drawing to a close and Newcastle United’s eyes firmly on a Champions League position for the first time in 20 years excitement is building amongst fans.
Eddie Howe’s Toon are currently in third place, a position which is only getting stronger with each match.
But what did Champions League football look like the last time it came to St James’ Park?
Well, for one, Newcastle legend Bobby Robson was the manager, embarking on his third season as the Mags’ head coach.
It was also extremely dramatic. Newcastle lost their first three matches before shocking Juventus 1-0 at St James’ Park.
The team then went on to beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 at home before winning away to Feyenoord 3-2.
United progressed to the second round of the Champions League, facing Inter Milan, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen.
After a chaotic match at home against Inter Milan where Bellamy was sent off in the opening minutes and Shearer was suspended, they managed to bounce back against Bayer Leverkusen winning 3-1.
But Newcastle eventually dropped out of the Champions League after losing 2-0 to Barcelona at home.
It was a dramatic, exciting and unforgettable final season amongst Europe’s best teams and it looks like we’re heading for another go next season.
Here are some of the best and most iconic photos from Newcastle United’s 2002/03 campaign.
21. Newcastle United v Feyenoord
Craig Bellamy of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the winning goal during the UEFA Champions League First Phase Group E match between Feyenoord and Newcastle United on November 13, 2002 played at the De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, Holland. Newcastle United won the match 3-2. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
22. Newcastle United v Feyenoord
Goalkeeper, Shay Given of Newcastle United, saves a shot from Bonaventure Kalou (standing) of Feyenoord during the UEFA Champions League First Phase Group E match between Feyenoord and Newcastle United on November 13, 2002 played at the De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, Holland. Newcastle United won the match 3-2. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
23. Newcastle United v Feyenoord
Portrait of Bobby Robson, manager of Newcastle United, during the UEFA Champions League first phase Group E match between Newcastle United and Feyenoord at St James Park, Newcastle in England on September 24, 2002. Robson has been sacked by Newcastle August 30, 2004 following a poor start to the new season. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) | Getty Images
24. Newcastle United v Feyenoord
Shay Given of Newcastle sits dejected after Feyenoord score during the UEFA Champions League First Phase Group E match between Newcastle United and Feyenoord at St James Park, Newcastle, England on September 24 , 2002. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) | Getty Images