Where are they now? Eddie Howe's first Newcastle United side as Magpies boss celebrates two-year anniversary

Wednesday marked the two-year anniversary of Eddie Howe's appointment as manager of Newcastle United - and what a journey it has been.

The former Bournemouth boss - the one 'who got a team relegated' as his predecessor reminded us - took charge of a Magpies side sat in the Premier League relegation side and without a win to their name in their opening 12 games of the 2021/22 season.

After watching on from the Amex Stadium stands as United battled to a 1-1 draw against Brighton, Howe was officially named as successor to Steve Bruce 72 hours later before getting to work with his new players during the international break that followed.

Howe's Magpies managerial debut came with a home game against Brentford just under a fortnight after his appointment - but the new man in charge would watch on from afar after a positive Covid-19 test restricted him to a Tyneside hotel room.

After that somewhat false start, Howe has settled into life at St James Park and has unquestionably been boosted by the financial support he has received from the Magpies PIF-led owners. The likes of Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak all followed his first signing Kieran Trippier through the door and helped transform United from Championship possibles to Champions League challengers in the space of 18 months.

Some outsiders are only too willing to put Howe's transformation of the squad he inherited solely down to the investment that has been made in the transfer market. Yet a look back at his starting lineup for that eventful 3-3 draw against Brentford shows hard work and attention to detail on the training pitch has played just as much of a role in helping revitalise fortunes at St James Park.

Seven of the Magpies starting 11 remain at St James Park and have made appearances in the Premier League, Carabao Cup or Champions League during the current campaign and a further five members of the matchday squad are still part of Howe's ranks this season.

Aided by his trusted band of coaches and analysts, Howe has brought every last ounce of improvement out of the players he inherited and they have formed the spine of a squad that has fast-tracked United's progress towards realising the ambitious plans of their owners.

So who remains at St James Park from that draw with Brentford that provided an unusual start to Howe's reign, who has moved on to pastures new and where are they now?

Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow (now at Leeds United)

The long-serving stopper departed St James Park this summer and accepted an offer to join Championship club Leeds United. Darlow has made just two appearances for the Whites, both of which came in the Carabao Cup.

Right wing-back: Jacob Murphy (still at Newcastle United)

Some suspected Murphy may well be moved on at various points throughout Howe's reign but the former Norwich City man has become a trusted outlet for the Magpies manager. Played in several positions, entrusted with key roles in big games, Murphy is believed to be viewed as a big part of the dressing room at St James Park.

Left wing-back: Matt Ritchie (still at Newcastle United)

Another long-serving Magpie and a former Howe player from their time at Bournemouth, Ritchie was expected to leave St James Park this summer but penned a new one-year deal and has made two appearances during the current season.

Centre-back: Jamaal Lascelles (still at Newcastle United)

The Magpies club captain remains a key figure at St James Park - although he was forced to watch on from the bench for large parts of last season as Fabian Schar and Sven Botman forged a solid partnership at the heart of Howe's defence that laid the foundations to a successful push for the Champions League. However, an injury to Botman has handed Lascelles a route back into the side this season and he has produced some commanding displays during that time.

Centre-back: Fabian Schar (still at Newcastle United)

Such is the importance of Schar to Howe's United, it's easy to forget the Swiss star had become increasingly peripheral under Steve Bruce. Handed a recall for the game against Brentford, Schar has remained a key cog in the Howe machine, providing defensive solidity and starting many of his side's attacks through clever use of the ball. Scoring some eye-catching goals in big games has also aided his cause!

Centre-back: Ciaran Clark (now at Stoke City)

The Republic of Ireland international was part of Rafa Benitez's side that helped United return to the Premier League and continued to feature under Steve Bruce. However, a red card against Norwich City during the early weeks of Howe's reign started a path that led to his departure from the club. After spending last season on loan at Sheffield United, Clark has now joined Stoke City after his release from St James Park was confirmed earlier this summer.

Midfield: Jonjo Shelvey (now Caykur Rizespor)

Howe relied on Shelvey to provide some control and balance in his midfield ranks during his early months in charge and the former Liverpool man worked alongside new signing Bruno Guimaraes to give United a solid base in the middle of the pitch. Shelvey remained at St James Park until last January when he made a deadline day move to Nottingham Forest. Things have not worked out for the experienced midfielder at the City Ground and he is currently on a season-long loan with Turkish club Caykur Rizespor.

Midfield: Joe Willock (still at Newcastle United)

Willock is far from the only player to have enjoyed a resurgence under Howe and has proven his worth to the Magpies throughout the last 18 months. Although he has suffered with injuries, the former Arsenal midfielder has improved in every aspect of his game under Howe and has even been mentioned as a possible contender for the England squad.

Forward: Joelinton

Ah Joelinton! The redemption story we never suspected would come to pass - but now the one we can not be without! Previously a shot-shy striker, now a midfield powerhouse, the former Hoffenheim star is an essential pick in any Howe side and has been well and truly transformed during the last two years. Now a Brazil international, Joelinton's physical presence and work-rate add so much to the Magpies.

Forward: Allan Saint-Maximin (now at Al-Ahli)

Sometimes mercurial, often frustrating, Saint-Maximin was once seen as United's main - and some would say only - attacking threat under Bruce. His importance and influence may well have lessened as Howe's side improved but he remained a popular figure within the St James Park hierarchy and with Magpies supporters. However, he was allowed to depart during the summer as he became one of the many new signings made by Saudi Pro League clubs.

Forward: Callum Wilson (still at Newcastle United)

Howe's appointment at Newcastle reunited Wilson with his former Bournemouth manager and the Magpies boss has continued to utilise the England striker throughout his reign. Although a club record fee was paid for Alexander Isak, Wilson has been handed a whole host of opportunities over the last two years and had repaid Howe with 29 goals and five assists in 61 appearances in all competitions during that time.

Used Substitutes

Sean Longstaff (still at Newcastle United)

Another player that looked to be on his way out of Newcastle prior to Howe's appointment, the Magpies academy product has firmly established himself as a key figure under the former Bournemouth boss. Longstaff is another United player that has been tipped to receive an England call-up.

Ryan Fraser (now at Southampton)

The Scotland international spoke highly of Howe following his appointment but slipped out of favour and is currently on a season-long loan at Southampton. It seems increasingly likely Fraser will join the Saints on a permanent deal at some point in the near future.

Unused substitutes

Martin Dubravka (still at Newcastle United), Jamal Lewis (now on loan at Watford), Isaac Hayden (now on loan at Standard Liege), Emil Krafth (still at Newcastle United), Javier Manquillo (still at Newcastle United), Dwight Gayle (now at Stoke City), Miguel Almiron (still at Newcastle United)