Led by former players, working in close collaboration with both the football club and Newcastle United Foundation, the Former Players Association will recognise and remember all players past and present.

At its heart, the association will have two key principles; firstly to ensure players feel forever connected to - and acknowledged by - the football club and secondly to offer support wherever and whenever they need it, signposting them to a range of welfare and support services.

The inaugural FPA gathering will give former players the opportunity to sign up and learn more about the association.

Steve Harper, one of four player representatives on the Former Players Association Committee, said: "It never leaves you, being part of this club and I think it's great that the club is looking to establish this community of former players.

"Since the FPA was launched there have been a number of productive meetings and it’s great to be in a position where we can invite former players to get involved.

"We want to encourage as many former players as possible to register and hope that they will join us in August to support the first team in their preparations for the 2018/19 season."

Lee Charnley, Newcastle United managing director, added: "Newcastle United has been a significant presence in so many players, and their families, lives and we hope that the Former Players Association can offer those players a longstanding association with the club in recognition of their contribution to our history."

Any former players who would like to be involved with the association are invited to register for the FPA here or can contact Yvette Thompson ([email protected]) to add their name to the guest list.