Newcastle United are back in the big time and former Magpies defender Mike Williamson knows a thing or two about what playing in Europe means for the club. Newcastle's last UEFA jaunt saw them knocked out of the Europa League in the quarter-finals by Portuguese heavyweights Benfica, a game Williamson feels the north east outfit could have won.
"We knew, on any given night, if we played to the best of our ability, it could be on," he told Chronicle Live. But it wasn't to be for Alan Pardew's men as the Portuguese outfit made sure not to throw away their 3-1 first-leg deficit when they came to St James' Park.
Now, it is Eddie Howe's turn to try and navigate both a European and domestic campaign. Key men in the St James' Park dressing room believe last season was a not a flash in the pan and the table isn't showing a false result but this upcoming campaign will test Newcastle's durability.
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Fighting on four fronts with a light squad, packed with players who not so long ago were in a relegation scrap, will be a task. So often Premier League clubs overachieve, reach the bright lights of Europe, relish the excitement that comes with it, only to struggle domestically the following campaign.
West Ham United last season are a good example of this, while one-time Premier League champions Leicester City were forced to sack Claudio Ranieri months after their title win as they faced a potential relegation alongside with their Champions League run.
The players involved in Newcastle's most recent European run know what this is like. There were some cracking nights under the lights, notably beating Anzhi Makhachkala thanks to a Papiss Cisse winner, while fans also got to experience away days in Greece, Belgium, Portugal and France during the journey. But at home, Premier League form suffered and the Magpies ultimately dropped 11 places to finish 16th next time around.
Quizzed over whether more focus was simply put on European games, Williamson replied: "No, no, not at all. I think the focus was the best it possibly could going into every game because we know how important and how tough the Premier League was.
"I just think, like you say, emotionally, you spread so thin and physically with the mileage, you're doing the arousal of the occasions, but naturally, when you're walking out and you play in the Europa League, your adrenaline is high and it takes its toll.
"So no matter how focused and disciplined you are, when you come back and you've been away for a few days and you've experienced the highs and lows to come back and to dial yourself in is relentless and it was really tough and I think that's what was the hardest part."
Newcastle have already signed AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali and more additions are expected in the coming weeks. Howe wants 'elite' players to strengthen his team ahead of a gruelling campaign next term.
However, former owner Mike Ashley didn't see things the same way and decided to only throw one new signing into the mix after Newcastle's memorable fifth-placed finish. Vurnon Anita may have turned out to be a good servant for the club but more was needed during the off-season, believes Williamson.
"I think the more strength and depth, the better equipped you are. I don't know if that [more signings] would have made the main difference but it sure it definitely would have helped," he said.
"But yeah, like you say, after an extremely successful season, and then a massive challenge on top of the Premier League, it can take its toll."
So, the question now is; Can Newcastle emulate the class of 2012/13 with a run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League?
"I think there's every chance," Williamson added. "It's a ridiculous ask and I don't think any fans would have predicted the rise this this quickly. But with Newcastle, there's nothing off the table. It's such a big club.
"They've got such a passionate fanbase and now the quality of players that are there. Of course, there's every chance."
