Newcastle United's journey to the Champions League in the early Noughties is still talked about fondly on Tyneside but had it not been for Sir Bobby Robson and his in-depth knowledge of Europe back in winter 1999 it may not have happened at all. With the Magpies in need of some defensive steel, Sir Bobby tapped into his contact book and looked up Helder Cristovao before signing him on loan from Deportivo la Coruna. During 12 crucial games in league and cup, Helder suffered defeat only once on that loan stint.
And while his time was only fleeting, as he recovered from a long-term injury, he helped Newcastle finish 11th and into the FA Cup semi-finals.
Helder told Chronicle Live: "I have special memories of my year at Newcastle and still speak about it quite a lot. "I'm still in touch with a lot of the boys from that time, I speak with Nobby Solano a lot, a few weeks ago I spoke with Alan Shearer and people like Rob Lee and Shay Given now and again.
READ MORE: Newcastle United told to 'break the bank' for James Maddison transfer with one condition
"It was a good time for me to play under Bobby Robson and I was part of the team at a time when they needed help but already had good players."
Helder still remembers the moment his phone went and it was the former England boss at the other end ringing from a rainy Tyneside. But the ex-Toon centre-back did not hesitate when asked to swap sunny Spain for a cold Newcastle winter.
Helder said: "Once the phone went and Bobby called me, I accepted straight away. I knew him from Portugal because he was very successful with not just Sporting Lisbon but also FC Porto.
"He remembered me from my time at Benfica even though I'd had a long break through an injury. He gave me my opportunity to resume my career. I was able to play again, be part of the Premier League and be part of a prestigious and historic club like Newcastle. "For me it was a fantastic time in my life."
The moment Helder is remembered for best by Newcastle fans of a certain vintage has to be his bullet header at the Stadium of Light in a 2-2 draw in 2000. That goal put the Magpies in full control on Wearside but the memory that is most vivid for Helder is different.
The former Portuguese international said: "It was a fantastic goal - not just any old goal! Everybody still talks to me about that one, and while it was special for me personally what I remember is something about Bobby Robson.
"If you remember we'd stormed into a 2-0 lead at the Stadium of Light. And there were still open wounds from the reverse fixture in the derby at St James' when Sunderland won. Bobby told us how important it was to gain revenge. "But Sunderland came back to 2-2.
"After the game Bobby was absolutely furious about this, absolutely furious. "He locked us in the dressing room for more than one hour after the match. Nobody was allowed to get changed. We were just sat there and Mr Robson was very upset with us because he felt we'd let the fans down by not winning the game."
Helder moved back to La Liga with Depor after his stint at Newcastle and then on to Benfica for a second spell before signing for PSG. And wherever he went in his professional life he took with him Robson's winning mentality. Helder added: "Look when we won he'd celebrate with us and enjoy the success - that's something I will always take with me. But he was a born winner, and when we lost it was very difficult.
"Bobby wanted success so badly at Newcastle. "When we lost Bobby suffered a lot, like the fans. Even when we didn't win and drew the odd game he thought we should win he'd be ready to let us know. That is what you want from the boss, always striving for success."
United now move ahead to a whole new era with and the Saudi-backed Magpies will hope to get back to the promised land of the Champions League one day. Helder knows it is one step at a time for new look United. Helder said: "There is new investment there now and I am very keen to see how it goes for Newcastle. There is a big injection of money now.
"If they find good players in the remainder of the window they can have a good season on top of the squad they have already. We need to see Newcastle back in Europe. I'd love to see them get back to the top five. "It's where they should be but where next season?"
The former Benfica and Paris St-Germain star then answers his own question: "It's a good question, isn't it? "Europe would be nice if things went well but for me, the top eight is the next logical step.
"A good start is needed to get top eight. But that would be a step in the right direction and certainly a good start under new owners. Moving forward they will be looking at the top five longer term."
Helder is taking a break from coaching at the moment but knows Saudi Arabia well after stints with Al-Hazem and Al Nassr. Helder said: "I have been involved in coaching in the Middle East. I will see what comes next I am looking for the right opportunity."
But one thing is for certain, Helder would relish the former player treatment at St James' Park. Helder said: "I haven't been to Newcastle for a long time but I hope they invite me to see a match. That would be very special to be back at St James' Park, I loved my time there."
READ NEXT
Eddie Howe responds amid talk of Newcastle United bid for Leicester City star James Maddison
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sends Callum Wilson warning to Premier League after impressive pre-season
Newcastle 2-1 Athletic Bilbao player ratings as Wilson impresses amid Dubravka and Ritchie reminder
Newcastle 2-1 Athletic Bilbao as Allan Saint-Maximin goal ensures final pre-season victory
Newcastle United chiefs working overtime on transfers as Leicester demand £60m for James Maddison
