Newcastle loans manager Shola Ameobi admits the club is bouncing ahead of the Champions League campaign.
Ameobi was part of the Newcastle squad which played in the Champions League campaign under Sir Bobby Robson.
"It's goosebumps when you're talking about the Champions League and playing against the best teams in Europe, "Ameobi told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Competing against the best teams domestically and holding your own, I'm really excited to see the new players come in and how they make us better.
"I think that's one thing that needs to happen, recruitment of players who can improve us and they're working behind the scenes to make that happen. I know Dan [Ashworth] spoke earlier and it's going to be tough but we're going to give it everything that we've got and that's what is exciting for me.
"Knowing that now we're working for a club who want to keep pushing. I'm really excited about what's to come and I'm just a bit gutted that I'm not part of it on the pitch anymore. This is the next best thing for me, helping behind the scenes and see us hopefully start winning trophies.
"I know that for us, myself as an ex player whose been part of the club, it's so exciting that there's a basis there now that we can build off. The team has done an amazing job last season and it's going to be very difficult going into this seasons."