Barmy Newcastle United fan reimagines 1970s hit to create Champions League anthem

Barmy Newcastle United fan Junior Turner has penned another Magpies-themed ditty in preparation for the club's return to the Champions League next season.

The Geordie was behind the 'Banks of the River Tyne' anthem that soundtracked the Newcastle United takeover for many fans and, with more reason for celebration, has headed back to the studio after Eddie Howe's side booked a place in Europe for next year.

It's been 20 years since the team last played in the competition and supporters are already getting their passports ready to travel the continent when the club's Group Stage draw is confirmed - and it's possible the Magpies get a group from hell with pots unveiled.

Releasing the new track 'Is This the Way to Europe' over the weekend, Turner drums up the excitement around the football club on Tyneside into a new version of Tony Christie hit, '(Is This the Way to) Amarillo'.

On the track, Turner sings: "Is this the way to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Lazio, Roma, Geordie boys are taking over, Champions League awaits for me."

Turner will be hoping the ditty enjoys the success of 'Banks of the River Tyne', which received love from Newcastle United fans across the world. The singer told Newcastle World: "To see the song now not only gaining such amazing growth and positive feedback here in the UK but now overseas so much so it’s featured on the Premier League page in Saudi Arabia with 2.2 million followers is phenomenal to say the least.

"If the world didn’t already know, then the song will hopefully help teach them why Newcastle is such a special and the people who come from here are the best on the planet that you could wish to meet.”

Turner has also opened up about a terminal blood clots diagnosis and a desire to 'leave something behind' with his Newcastle United-themed tracks.

After releasing 'Banks of the River Tyne', he said: "I was found to have multiple blood clots right through my legs and to my lungs. It's caused severe damage to my left leg, my lung and my heart.

"I still suffer daily. My left leg is twice the size of my right leg because I've still got a blockage there from when I had the clots, which causes daily pain and swelling.

"I was given a life expectancy of 40 by a specialist and I've always had that in the back of my mind, whether it comes true or not only time will tell. Because of that, with this song, it's become more of a challenge for me to cement a place in local history.

"I want to leave something behind to be remembered by. I hope and pray this song is that thing. I don't wallow in self-pity or anything. I'm fortunate to have got to where I am, do what I do and experience what I have."