For those unaware of the ‘We signed him on a free from Germany’ reference, I talk of ex-Newcastle United player Peter Lovenkrands. The Danish striker enjoyed two spells on Tyneside- firstly between January and July 2009 ending after his contract expiration, the club would then decide to resign the free agent in the summer of 09 for Peter’s second spell at the club. The ageing Dane would prove to be a popular figure throughout his time on Tyneside and many fans were sad to say farewell to Lovenkrands as the club released him in June 2012. But what made this man stand out from the crowd, earning him fan-favourite status on the terraces at St James’?
Peter Lovenkrands’ first spell on Tyneside started quite slowly as the striker netted three goals. This was partly down to the Dane not gaining much of a run in the side. Notably, however, Peter was the first person to score past Manchester United keeper Edwin Van de Sar in the 1311 minutes of football that United had gone without conceding. At the end of the season, Newcastle’s squad disbanded knowing that they’d be returning after the summer break for Championship football. Peter was subsequently released by the club. However, the Toon then opted on re-signing the free agent to help in their bid of returning to the top flight. Lovenkrands was handed the number 11 shirt as the next chapter in his Newcastle United career was to unfold…
2009/2010 was when Lovenkrands really started to endear himself to the Geordie nation as the club romped the Championship during a hugely successful promotion campaign. The first few months of the season were difficult for Lovenkrands, the Dane was being played out of position and cited personal problems off the pitch for his struggling form. On the 13th, January Lovenkrands scored a very well taken at home to Plymouth Argyle in the cup. Some five days later, Lovenkrands would also appear in the top-of-the-table clash with West Brom. It was rather surprising that Peter was even in the North-East on this cold Wednesday night. Lovenkrands’ father had passed away in the run up to the game, but, the Dane insisted on playing. Lovenkrands would pop up with a crucial equaliser in the 2-2 draw. His celebration was a touching tribute to his late father.
As the second half of the season played out, Lovenkrands began to form a useful partnership with Andy Carroll. Peter would finish the season with a very productive return of 16 goals in 32 league and cup appearances.
As Newcastle returned back to the big time, Peter proved to be a good go-to option often as an impact substitute. The form of Andy Carroll- which earned him his big money move, the reliability of Kevin Nolan or the quality of Demba Ba in 20011/2012 meant that Peter didn’t feature as much in the Premier League as he had done in the Championship. Over the next two years, under the guide of Chris Hughton then Alan Pardew, the club would finish in a healthy 12th and then qualify for Europe on the back of the excellent fifth-place finish. Peter would make 40 appearances over these two seasons with a 10-goal return to give him a strike rate of a goal every four games. Peter’s spell with the club came to an end, however, when he was sadly released on the 1st June 2012. The curtain came down on Peter’s career in black and white. He headed for pastures anew finishing his career with Birmingham City before retirement in November 2014.
With his likeable personality and ice-cool left-footed finishes, the ageing Dane was a popular figure in his time at the club. He fought for the cause, played with a smile and gave his dedication to the club during his time on Tyneside. Lovenkrands was one that will be remembered fondly by toon fans and has to go down as an unsung hero for what he contributed to the club. Thanks for everything Peter.
YouTube: Peter Løvenkrands – Thanks For Everything – Newcastle United
