Top Legends: A Ranking of the Best Players in Newcastle United History

Newcastle United boasts a rich history with several remarkable players gracing the iconic black and white shirt over the years. Despite enduring challenges, including relegations during the tenure of Mike Ashley, the Magpies remain a vital presence in the Premier League, offering fans unforgettable moments on the pitch. This article delves into Newcastle United's top 11 all-time players, shedding light on why they hold a special place in the hearts of the club's supporters.

Criteria for ranking:

• Appearances
• Impact on the team
• Individual accolades or trophies won collectively with the club

Each player's inclusion is based on their influence while representing Newcastle United, their longevity with the club, and any noteworthy achievements, be it individual honors or team successes.

11. Paul Gascoigne

Paul Gascoigne is fondly remembered for his time at Newcastle United, despite it being relatively brief. As a young talent emerging from the ranks of St James' Park, Gascoigne captained the Newcastle United youth team to victory in the FA Youth Cup during the 1984/85 season. Breaking into the first team at just 17 years old, he went on to make 92 appearances for the club, finding the net 21 times. His impressive performances for Newcastle caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur, who subsequently paid a then-British record transfer fee of £2.2 million to secure his services.

10. Malcolm Macdonald

Malcolm Macdonald enjoyed a five-season spell at Newcastle United, leaving a significant mark by becoming the club's fifth-highest goalscorer of all time, a notable feat given the relatively short duration of his tenure. The prolific striker netted an impressive 138 goals in 257 appearances for the Magpies. Notably, he scored twice in the 1973/74 FA Cup semi-final against Burnley. Macdonald arrived at Newcastle from Luton Town and made an immediate impact, marking his debut for the club with a memorable hat-trick against Liverpool.

9. Gary Speed

Newcastle United supporters will always cherish Gary Speed's trademark runs into the box. The versatile midfielder possessed a well-rounded skill set, excelling in aerial duels and displaying proficiency with both feet. Speed's adeptness on the field was evident in his consistent performances for the club. He played a crucial role in the team's campaigns, notably featuring in consecutive FA Cup finals during the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons.

However, his departure to Bolton Wanderers in 2004 marked a significant moment in Newcastle's history, contributing to the downfall of then-manager Sir Bobby Robson. Despite Robson's reluctance to part ways with Speed, the club's decision to sell him, against the manager's wishes, ultimately led to his replacement by Nicky Butt.

8. Shay Given

Shay Given is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League history, with the bulk of his illustrious career spent at St James' Park. Making over 450 appearances for Newcastle United, Given solidified his place in the club's history before departing for Manchester City in 2009. His 463 appearances rank him third on the club's all-time list. Remarkably, Given holds the record for the most international caps earned while playing for Newcastle, with an impressive 54 appearances for the Magpies. Over his 12-year tenure at the club, Given earned the status of a true Newcastle United legend.

7. Kevin Keegan

A list of Newcastle United greats would be incomplete without the inclusion of Kevin Keegan. His association with the club began in 1982 as a player, and he later returned as manager on two separate occasions, in 1992 and 2008. Despite featuring in fewer than 100 games during his playing career with Newcastle United, Keegan's impact on the club was profound. In just 78 appearances, he found the back of the net an impressive 48 times. Keegan and Newcastle United formed a perfect partnership, with his arrival greeted by euphoria and his tenure marked by mutual adoration. His legacy continues to be cherished at St James' Park to this day.

6. Rob Lee

Rob Lee's impact on Newcastle United cannot be overstated. He played a pivotal role in the team's promotion to the newly formed Premier League in his debut season with the club and became an integral part of Kevin Keegan's famous 'entertainers' side. Despite his significant contributions, Lee often flew under the radar and was perhaps underrated in his playing days. This may have contributed to him earning just 21 caps for England, despite his undeniable talent. Nevertheless, Lee was selected for the England squad during the 1998 World Cup.

During his illustrious 10-year spell at St James' Park, Lee experienced the guidance of four different managers: Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, and Sir Bobby Robson. His consistency and commitment to the club earned him admiration from fans and solidified his place in Newcastle United's history.

5. Peter Beardsley

Peter Beardsley's contributions to Newcastle United are etched in the club's history. Across two spells with the team, from 1983 to 1987 and then from 1993 to 1997, Beardsley left an indelible mark on St James' Park. His time at Newcastle was punctuated by moves to Liverpool and Everton, but it was his mazy runs and creative brilliance that endeared him to the fans.

As a vital component of Kevin Keegan's 'entertainers,' Beardsley showcased his exceptional talent on the pitch. Scoring an impressive 119 goals in 326 appearances for Newcastle United, he demonstrated his prowess as one of the most gifted players to don the famous black and white shirt. Beardsley's legacy at the club remains cherished, with his name synonymous with skill and success during his time at St James' Park.

4. Bobby Moncur

Bobby Moncur is revered as one of Newcastle United's finest captains, etching his name into the club's history with a remarkable achievement. He achieved what many aspire to but few accomplish: lifting a major trophy at St James' Park, securing the Inter-City Fairs Cup in 1969, a feat that stands as the club's last major triumph to date. Moncur played a pivotal role in this success, notably scoring three of his seven goals for the club during the two-legged Fairs Cup final.

Despite his illustrious captaincy, Moncur harbors mixed feelings about being the last Newcastle United captain to hoist a major trophy. Reflecting on the club's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United in the 2022/23 season, he expressed reluctance to hold this title, stating, "I'm in a club I don't really want to be in." Now serving as a club ambassador, Moncur's deepest desire is to witness another Newcastle United captain follow in his footsteps and lift a major trophy for the club, thus ushering in a new era of success and glory.

3. Hughie Gallacher

Hughie Gallacher's goal-scoring prowess is the stuff of legend, with an impressive tally of 463 goals amassed throughout his illustrious career. A significant portion of these goals, 143 to be exact, were netted during his time with Newcastle United, achieved in a mere 174 appearances for the club. This remarkable feat secures Gallacher's place as the fourth-highest goal scorer in the club's history.

Gallacher's leadership qualities were also evident, as he captained the side during the memorable 1926/27 season when Newcastle United clinched the First Division title. His exceptional performance during this campaign saw him find the back of the net an incredible 39 times in just 41 games. Notably, Gallacher's lethal scoring abilities extended to the international stage, where he netted an astonishing 24 goals in just 20 appearances for the Scotland national team.

Despite his remarkable contributions to Newcastle United, Gallacher's time with the club eventually came to an end when he was sold to Chelsea for a substantial fee of £10,000, a considerable sum in that era. His debut for Chelsea took place against none other than his former club, Newcastle United, in a match that drew a sold-out crowd to St James' Park. Gallacher's legacy as a prolific goal scorer and influential leader continues to be celebrated in the annals of football history.

2. Jackie Milburn

Jackie Milburn, a revered figure in Newcastle United's history, held the esteemed title of the club's all-time leading goalscorer until Alan Shearer surpassed him in 2006. Milburn's illustrious career at the club spanned 14 seasons, during which he left an indelible mark by lifting three FA Cups. Such was his impact and legacy that a statue of the striker now graces the grounds outside the iconic Gallowgate stand, and a stand within the stadium bears his name.

Milburn's prowess on the pitch was exemplified by his notable performances in FA Cup finals, where he found the back of the net in two out of the three finals he appeared in for Newcastle United. His contributions to the club, both in terms of goals and leadership, rightfully earn him a place among the greatest players to have ever donned the black and white shirt. Remarkably, Milburn's enduring presence at St James' Park is surpassed only by Alan Shearer, the legendary striker who surpassed his goal-scoring record.

1. Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer is widely regarded as one of the finest players in Newcastle United's history, despite never clinching a trophy during his tenure at St James' Park. However, Shearer's remarkable individual achievements more than compensated for the absence of team accolades. His illustrious career saw him shatter numerous records, establishing himself as a true legend of the game.

Shearer's crowning achievement came in the form of becoming the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer, a title he also holds for Newcastle United. In February 2006, he surpassed Jackie Milburn's long-standing record of 200 goals, cementing his place in history. His final goal for the club, number 206, was a fitting testament to his illustrious career, scored during a resounding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals, Sunderland.

Even after retiring from professional football, Shearer's legacy endures, with no current player coming close to challenging his status as Newcastle United's all-time leading goalscorer. His remarkable impact on the club's history ensures that his name will forever be synonymous with greatness at St James' Park.