Eddie Howe and a raft of senior stars are back on Tyneside following a post-season break, as attention turns to a packed pre-season schedule in the coming weeks.

United take on National League North side Darlington this weekend, behind closed doors, before a trip to neighbours Gateshead on Saturday 25th July.

After that comes tough tests against Bristol City, Valencia and Everton, before the VisitMalta Weekender kicks off at St. James' Park one week prior to the Premier League opener with Liverpool. You can find all pre-season fixture information here.

The likes of Fabian Schar, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Lewis Hall, Jacob Ramsey and new addition Sean Steur were among the returning stars at Benton on Monday.

Our club photographer Serena Taylor was there to bring newcastleunited.com this gallery of images as United got the ball rolling on day one of pre-season.