The naysayers will say Newcastle United's Champions League qualification was all down to money and only possible due to the new-found wealth the Magpies came into less than two years ago. But time and time again, Eddie Howe has proved that particular notion wrong.
While Bruno, Tripps, Isak and Botman have certainly made life easier on Tyneside, the bedrock of this fantastic Newcastle side is the players Howe found when he arrived at the Magpies' Benton base. Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Callum Wilson & Fabian Schar, all of whom have helped stave off relegation at St James' Park, are now preparing to hear that famous Champions League anthem as they walk out in front of what will surely be typically fantastic Wor Flags displays.
Two of the players Howe inherited deserve what comes next more than most: Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy. Both expected to be thrown on the footballing scrapheap not too long ago, the duo have been instrumental to Newcastle's success this season.
READ MORE: Staveley's Champions League response, familiar faces return and John Terry fumes in Newcastle draw
Longstaff's surge from academy football to the bright lights of the first-team was a smooth one. After excelling under Rafael Benitez in the middle of the park, comparisons were, at one point, being made to England starter Declan Rice.
A knee injury and a subsequent lack of game time under Steve Bruce saw his Newcastle career stagnate as it looked as though he would fall to victim to Newcastle's spending ability post-takeover.
Instead, he became Howe's unsung hero and in recent months has finally earned the praise he deserves. After overcoming an ankle issue in recent weeks, the local lad got to enjoy the celebrations after starting against Leicester.
"I can’t put it into words it to be honest," Longstaff told Sky Sports at full-time. "If you’d told us two years ago we wouldn’t have believed you but we brought Tripps in, Popey in and a lot of the other boys as well. It’s unbelievable and I’m so proud of everyone.
"You hear the stories, you hear of Tino Asprilla getting a hat-trick in the Champions League - beating Juventus here one nil, you see that on DVDs. To hopefully be a part of it and be in those nights it's going to be so special - I’m just buzzing. I've not quite looked at who we'll be facing, I'll let them [the fans] do that."
Murphy is another who was faced with the prospect of life away from his boyhood club. Despite joining Newcastle at a much later stage of his career to Longstaff, the winger has never shied away from the fact he is black and white through and through.
Disappointing loan spells away from St James' Park, coupled with failing to hit the heights when given an opportunity at Newcastle, left many to come to the conclusion that he would be one of the first names to depart as the new era arrived in the north east.
Like Longstaff, Murphy has stepped up to the plate instead. After an impressive cameo in the Carabao Cup final, many started to call for the former Cardiff winger to be given a shot from the outset. A chance he grabbed with both hands when the opportunity arose.
"I couldn't ever had dreamed this," Murphy told Newcastle's club channels while holding back tears on Monday night. "It's better than what I could have imagined and we're there. I've got no words for it. Who would have thought it? But we've done it.
"Throughout the season we've been unbelievable and it's just compounded effort, commitment and team spirit - we had the right ingredients to get success. I think everyone had a feeling (it would happen) - I can't pinpoint the time but we've been solid for quite a long while, and then this dream has become a reality.
"It's amazing. I've always said that I love being here and I love playing for my club. To be a part of that group that has got to the Champions League after two decades - you cannot write it."
In the years to come, Newcastle may become a team full of superstars. Big money signings from Europe's elite, foreign imports and a team of title winners. For now, they are a team are grafters, full of spirit. That is what makes this season's achievement so special.
READ NEXT
Jason Tindall's Champions League message and strong response to Twitter storm
Eddie Howe pays special tribute to Newcastle United fans who stuck with team through 'dark days'
Newcastle United one step closer to achieving Bruno Guimaraes and Amanda Staveley's ambitious vision
Staveley's Champions League response, familiar faces return and John Terry fumes in Newcastle draw
Eddie Howe well aware of what Newcastle's lofty finish means ahead of next term
