Where are they now? The Newcastle United squad that returned to European competition at Atromitos
Members of the Magpies squad that night suffered mixed fortunes following their departures from St James Park.
It is ten years in August since Newcastle United returned to European football after a five-year absence in a Europa League tie at Greek club Atromitos.
Memories of a surprise challenge for a Champions League place during the previous season were still fresh in the mind as a Magpies squad boasting the talents of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa prepared for another assault at the top four.
An underwhelming Premier League season saw the club flirt with relegation and it was their run to the Europa League quarter-final that provided a much-needed spark to the campaign.
That run all started on a baking hot afternoon in Greece and Alan Pardew’s Magpies battled to a 1-1 win against their hosts before going on to progress into the group stages with a narrow win in the second leg at St James Park.
But who carried the hopes of the United faithful as they returned to European competition at the Peristeri Stadium in Athens?
1. GK: Steve Harper
Harper left Newcastle at the end of the 2012/13 season and went on to spend time with Hull City and Sunderland. Now back with the Magpies, Harper is overseeing the club’s next generation of players as academy manager. Photo: Getty Images
2. RB: James Tavernier
One of the younger members of the squad but the one that has had the most success. Tavernier spent time at Wigan Athletic before helping Rangers to the Scottish Championship title, a Challenge Cup, a League Cup and the Scottish Premier League title. Tavernier was also a runner-up in last season’s Europa League. Photo: Getty Images
3. CB: James Perch
Perch was the definition of a ‘utility man’ at Newcastle and played a huge variety of roles during his time at the club with his hard-working style becoming respected by many fans. Currently with Mansfield Town, Perch played for Wigan Athletic, QPR and Scunthorpe United following his departure from Tyneside. Photo: ANDREW YATES
4. CB: Mike Williamson
Wolves and Oxford United were Williamson’s next destinations after his time at United came to an end in 2016. Back on Tyneside, Mike is about to enter his fourth season at Gateshead after leading the Heed back into the National League as their player-manager. Photo: Getty Images