Following their relegation to the second tier of English football, Newcastle are coming to terms with the fact that they will not be playing the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool anymore.

Instead, Newcastle fans will be travelling to the likes of Burton Albion and Rotherham United. As a result, a huge culture shock is in store for more or less everyone involved with Newcastle Football Club.

Right from the manager, Rafa Benitez, who is used to the luxuries of the Santiago Bernabeu, to the fans who are used to padded seats at the Emirates Stadium, everyone at Newcastle will have things to get used to something new in the 2016/17 Championship season.

Aside from all the Premier League luxuries they will miss out on, Newcastle most important change will be coming on the pitch.

Yes, there has been an increase in both money and quality in English football's second divison, but nothing can ever quite compare to the Premier League.

The Newcastle squad will of course have departures and additions to the side but i think there will be an element of Rafa Benitez that will do his very best to keep certain players at the club.

The dire string of results under Steve McLaren was definitely an eye opener for many football fans who saw many Newcastle players refuse to give their all for the club.

However, Benitez still has several players that will be key assets to the club effort to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

FootballLeagueWorld writer, Reece Chambers, identifies THREE players who will be key to Newcastle's 2016/17 season...

 

Aleksandar Mitrovic

The 21-year-old striker had a tough introduction to English football at St James' Park last season.

As  one of very few attacking options, Mitrovic rarely had a competition for a place in the starting 11 and was, therefore, more inclined to relax - scoring just 9 goals for the club.

However, with Benitez likely to bring in other attacking options, the very best could become to come out of the striker.

His physical presence and areial ability will prove very hard for Championship defenders to deal with and he could well become a key figure in Newcastle's promotion charge.

Paul Dummett

Dummett endured a mix of fortunes last season at St James' Park - with two sustained periods of injury but also the real first chance in the senior side.

A reoccurring hamstring injury ruled him out on two separate occasions which must have frustrated the left back to some extent.

Having said that, he still managed to make a significant contribution to the side with 23 league appearances.

Towards the end of the season, he returned from his second of two injury related absences to prove his worth to new boss Rafa Benitez.

During the short run of games, the Toon Army went unbeaten but failed to avoid the drop.

Dummett could become a key player for the Magpies in years to come if his previous performances are anything to go by.

Jack Colback

The defensive midfielder is one of very few Newcastle who is yet to be linked with a move away from St James' Park.

At the age of 26, Colback holds several key attributes that could see him become a key figure in Newcastle's 2016/17 side. His high work rate and defensive capabilities could make him an invaluable team member.

What is more, Colback has a great knowledge of the game shown by the fact that he has played in the Premier League for both Sunderland and Newcastle.

As a result, Colback should be expected to become a key player in Newcastle's side next season in the hope that they can create a promotion winning side.