Aaron Hughes
The Northern Irish centre-back was a loyal servant to Newcastle. Having come through the youth system in 1996, he made his debut in 1997 at the age of 18 against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Hughes got on with his job at ease and was one of the most dynamic players on the pitch with the ability to play all across the back four and in the centre of midfield. He established himself as a true fan favourite with some stellar performances.
Unfortunately, Graeme Souness was appointed and elected to undergo a complete overhaul of the Newcastle squad, which saw Hughes sold to Aston Villa in 2005.
Hughes made over 279 appearances for the Magpies.
Shay Given
Given just sneaks into the top five as he joined Newcastle in 1997 from Blackburn Rovers at the age of 21. The now veteran goalkeeper was brought in when Kenny Dalglish was appointed in the same year. His ability to command the penalty area along with the immense reflexes he demonstrated make him an easy addition. Given left with a bitter taste in his mouth when he joined Manchester City in 2009 stating that he felt Newcastle were not doing enough to try and keep him.
The Irish shot-stopper made 432 appearances for the Magpies in total and was one of the most reliable pair of hands Newcastle fans have ever witnessed at St James Park.
Jermaine Jenas
An underrated talent that had a mixed spell at Newcastle despite making 152 appearances and scoring 12 times. In his debut season Jenas picked up the PFA Young Player of The Year as he built a reputation on his industrial like performances in the heart of midfield with copeless amounts of energy to match it. His form started to tail off though after two solid first years it all went downhill despite being made vice-captain under Graeme Souness he was soon move on to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005.
Is he the one that got away?
Kieron Dyer
Dyer had raw talent when he arrived on the scene at the age of 21. His amazing runs and trickery brought delight to many fans. He was a vital cog in Sir Bobby Robson’s side when the Magpies finished in the top five in three consecutive seasons in 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2003/04. Perhaps he may be most infamous at Newcastle for when he had a brawl with team-mate Lee Bowyer in 2005 which led to the pair being sent off.
Dyer left Newcastle in 2007 after an injury plagued spell on Tyneside. His injuries didn’t hold up at his new club either and he was forced to end his career in 2013. Like Jenas, the arrival of Souness didn’t help Dyer’s cause.
Andy Carroll
Love him or hate him for jumping ship in 2011, Andy Carroll in recent years has proven to be the only highlight talent to make the first-team at St James Park.
At the age of 17 he made his Newcastle debut in the UEFA Cup. The powerful presence in the box and ability to play with his feet or use his height is a rarity soon at Newcastle in recent years. He will be remembered most fondly for an incredible hat-trick against Aston Villa in 2011.
Carroll’s departure left fans angered and frustrated. He still insists he was forced out the club when he signed for Liverpool in 2011 for a British record fee of £35million.
He may not be the most popular Geordie but his goal return of 31 in 80 speaks for itself.
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