As a follow up to one of my previous articles entitled, Newcastle United's top 10 Premier League flops, here I take a more positive view on the Toon's transfer record over the last 15 years.
As one of the Premier League's most influential clubs, Newcastle have always been amongst the biggest spenders in the transfer market in the pursuit of success.
Seven managers have led a foray into the minefield that is the modern day transfer market. Keegan, Dalglish, Gullit, Robson, Souness, Roeder and Allardyce all trying their bartering skills with the hope of hitting on the right formula. One could argue none made a success of it considering our lack of silverware to date.
Here is my personal top 10 hits based on my own view having watched each player countless times in action, I list my choices in countdown order from #10 to #1.
This was a real hard choice, and I have no room for some real top players who I couldn't quite squeeze in.
I also have not taken into account the sell on fee for certain players as it is quite irrelevant how much we got for them once their career took a downward spiral.
10. Les Ferdinand. An absolute legend on Tyneside "Sir Les" made 81 appearances scoring 50 goals wearing the famous black and white stripes. A £6m signing from Q.P.R. by Keegan he was eventually sold on to Spurs by Kenny Dalglish.
9. Andy Cole. Cole the Goal was bought from Bristol City for £1.75m, he earlier had a brief spell at Arsenal where he was released having failed to make an impact.
83 appearances and 68 goals is a remarkable return for any striker he was a real predator scoring 93% of his goals from inside the penalty area during his time on Tyneside, he was sold by Keegan to Man Utd with Keith Gillespie coming as a part exchange in a deal that rocked the Premiership.
8. Obafemi Martins. A £10m purchase from Inter Milan, Oba is one of the most exiting prospects in the league today. A pacy powerful, tricky forward he can play anywhere along the front line.
He has hit double figures again this season and is in possession of one of the most ferocious shots in football. Has only been at the club for two years but is already a fans favorite and has many chapters yet to write in his Toon career.
7. Michael Owen. 39 appearances in three years is the reason why the club record £16m buy from Real Madrid is as low down on my list. The only reason may I add as 19 goals in that brief time on the pitch shows he is still one of the worlds most feared strikers.
I hope and pray that Michael can stay injury free and continue to lead the club forward in his new found role sitting in behind the main striker. Recently made captain by Keegan he has been in inspired form of late and long may it continue.
6. Gary Speed.
15 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Andrew McNair about 1 year ago
Great work Chris. I really enjoyed the read. All of the above are special players and I'll remember them all fondly.
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Chris Kirk about 1 year ago
Thanks Andrew, did you notice the deliberate mistake though, sshhh!!!
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Salaar Arshad Shamsi about 1 year ago
Enjoyed the read..good job chris!
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Chris Kirk about 1 year ago
Cheers Salaar, thanks for the read. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Daniel Chalmers about 1 year ago
Good arcticle, newcastle have signed so many poor players in the past its very easy to forget these great players you talk about in this arcticle. They are all great players and have done great jobs for newcastle.
One thing I do notice though is there isn't a defender in your list which has basically been newcastle's main problems for years.
Keegan needs to put this at the top of his list or priorities for next season and the team may be looking in decent shape for next season.
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Chris Kirk about 1 year ago
Your right Daniel, I did almost put Philipe Albert in, if only for his outrageous lob against Schmichael.
Seriously though, you make a valid point there is no hiding Newcastle's defensive frailties over the years.
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Salomon Gonzales about 1 year ago
But surely, the fact that they've signed so many poor players just makes it all the easier to remember good/great signings they've made...
Good article btw Chris...
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Chris Kirk about 1 year ago
I know Salomon, I have already done an article on bad signings. You should have a look, there are some real shockers in there.
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Nigel Dixon about 1 year ago
I would agree with all of these except Obafemi Martins who is a damn good player but hasn't played for Toon long enough or scored enough goals to go into the top ten.
I would also have Sir Les and Cole higher up than 9 & 10.
Just a few names to throw into the mix in my opinion are:
1. David Kelly
2. Gavin Peacock
3. David Batty
4. Phillipe Albert
5. Brian kilcline
6. I also think James Milner has the potential to get in this 10 eventually
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Ernst Guev-Kjuir about 1 year ago
I like Craig Bellamy!
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Chris Kirk about 1 year ago
I liked Bellamy too, when fit and fully focused Craig was a great player. Controversial too he is a player other teams fans love to hate, but when he plays for your club, you cant help but love him.
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Roberto Esterripa about 1 year ago
Grettings from Peru !!!!
I share the opinion and punctuation to my compatriot Nolberto Solano. Born in quarries Club Deportivo Municipal and then in Lima Sporting Cristal of Peru (of which I am a fan) with which in 1997 won the subcamponato of the Copa Libertadores this year.
Excellent launcher free throws, step the club Boca Juniors and then to Newcasttle where brightness with light itself.
We appreciate the merit extended
Roberto
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Chris Kirk about 1 year ago
Hi, and thanks Roberto. Solano is one of my favourite players, and I deeply miss him at Newcastle. You should have seen the ovation and cheers he recieved when he came on as a sub in our game against West Ham last week it was a truly special moment. He will always be loved by the Toon Army.
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Martin Hill about 1 year ago
Top list and very hard to disagree with, but I'd swap Les with Oba... And no mention of David Ginola and Tino Asprilla. There are a few players from the 1st Keegan era who deserve a mention like the Phillipe Alberts and John Beresfords.
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Chris Kirk about 1 year ago
There were many players I thought about Martin, Albert, Tino, Ginola, Robert, Batty etc but I only chose 10. I gave Oba the benefit of the doubt, as he is still contracted to the club and has massive potential. Thanks for the read and comment.
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