made up of my favorite players that I have personally seen wear the Black &
White. Unfortunately I am too young to remember such players as Gazza,
Chris Waddle, and Kevin Keegan playing at Newcastle.
Given
Beresford Albert Woodgate Venison
Ginola Lee Beardsley
Ferdinand Shearer Cole
Goalkeeper
Shay Given - Shay arrived at St James from Blackburn Rovers where he was the understudy to Tim Flowers. Kenny Dalglish paid a nominal fee for the Republic of Ireland keeper and
this has been proven to be a great investment as Shay kept goal for United for 10 years and has gone on to become on of the best keepers in Premiership history and a long term Republic of Ireland international.
Left back
John Beresford - Bez was an early KK signing and he really grew as a player in the Black & White. For me the shift he put in during the successful KK years went a little unnoticed. He had no help at all as David Ginola spent all his time terrorizing the opposition defenders all day long. Beresford was a talented attacking fullback who also possessed the enough defensive quality.
Right back
Barry Venison - Traditionally a centre back I would ask Barry to play at right full back and I have no doubts he would do a great job. Barry is a leader and added some steel to NUFC during the early 1990's as we gained promotion to the premiership. After a successful 6 years at Liverpool Barry went on to make 109 appearances at Newcastle before heading off to Turkey to play for Galatasaray, we can even forgive his years playing for Sunderland.
Centre Back
Philip Albert - The gentle giant from Belgium excelled at the 1994 world cup which prompted Kevin Keegan to bring him to the North East. Philip was a classy defender who had the skills to match many attacking players and he had a eye for goal. Who could ever forget the delightful chip Albert scored against Man Utd at St James in the 5-0 win. Philip became a Bedlington lad and I even saw him on the Golf course a few times.
Centre Back
Jonathan Woodgate - The Middlesbrough born defender had his personal troubles early in his career at Leeds but there is no doubting his class. Woody was only with United for a short period of time, before he was sold to Real Madrid, however he showed his class in that short period of time and did enough to convince my that he is the best defender I have seen play in the black & white shirt.
Left Midfield
David Ginola - The flying Frenchman was pure class during his time with Newcastle. He was a relatively unknown when he arrived in England, but became an instant hit with the fans after putting in some amazing appearances which help Newcastle reach the heights of the premiership. The most talented player I have ever seen at Newcastle
Right Midfield
Peter Beardsley - Toon legend and magician. No player has give me more joy over the years than Pedro. He really could do anything with a football. What a fantastic career he had, and what a fantastic example to young footballers everywhere.
Centre Midfield
Robert Lee - A bargain signing from Charlton at the start of the KK revolution who went on to become a vital part of our team while we took the premiership by storm. He forced his way into the England squad through a run of fine performances and a good goal return from the middle of the part. A great captain for United.
Forward
Les Ferdinand - He did not stay on Tyneside for very long but Sir Les become an instant hit after a fantastic scoring record for the club. Never have I seen a player be so dominant in the air than Les. He was such a powerful player that you really could see him creating a scoring opportunity every time he was on the ball. Such a shame that he stay at the club was cut short by a move to Spurs.
Forward
Alan Shearer - Goals, goals, goals - this man is a goal scoring machine. Alan is far more than "just a sheet metal workers son from Gosforth" - he is the Lion of Gorforth. They all time leading scorer for United and absolute legend to the city of Newcastle United.
Forward
Andy Cole - He gets the ball, the scores a goal Andy, Andy Cole. The ultimate goal predator, who hit an unbelievable 42 goals in one season for Newcastle. The partnership between Cole and Beardsley was so impressive with Beardsleys creativity linking perfectly with Cole's finishing.
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