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?
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.
5. LB: Ryan Taylor
Hull City, Port Vale, Fleetwood Town and Indian club ATK all felt the benefit of Taylor’s majestic set-piece prowess. Moved into non-league football with Colne in 2020 and joined National League North newcomers Buxton midway through last season. Photo: Getty Images
6. CM: Gael Bigirimana
Bigi returned to former club Coventry City in 2016 and has also played for Motherwell, Hibernian and Solihull Moors before moving to Northern Ireland with Glentoran. Photo: Clive Mason
7. CM: Vurnon Anita
Anita made a full debut that night in Greece. Left Newcastle following promotion into the Premier League to join Leeds United and had a loan spell at Willem II. A short stint in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia was ended by a move back to Holland with RKC Waalwijk. Photo: Getty Images
8. CM: Dan Gosling
Gosling’s underwhelming stay at Newcastle ended with a free transfer move to Bournemouth in 2014. After spending six and a half years with the Cherries, the midfielder joined Watford in January 2021 and will be part of the Hornets squad that will fight for a return to the Premier League during the coming season. Photo: Getty Images