Despite missing out on European football for the 2023-24 season, Newcastle United remains a formidable force. The Magpies have been shaped by numerous unsung heroes who have proudly worn the iconic black and white colors. Day-in and day-out, at St James’ Park and away from home, these players have significantly influenced the club’s journey. Now, 143 years later, our experts have researched and compiled key features on how these impacts have influenced Newcastle United’s history. Explore our in-depth analysis and discover the stories behind the players who have shaped the club.
When was Newcastle United born?
The history of Newcastle United is traceable to 1881 when the Stanley Football Club of Baker was formed. It was renamed Newcastle East End F.C. a year later in October 1882. West End Cricket Club also formed a football club called Newcastle West End F.C.
In 1886, Newcastle East End moved to Heaton, while its Western counterpart occupied St James’ Park. As a result, both teams were Northern League rivals. East End F.C. became a professional team in 1889 and formed a limited company a year later. Conversely, West End F.C. suffered financial difficulties; hence, approached East End for a takeover. After a dissolution, most West End staff and players joined East End. Likewise, the latter took over St James’ Park lease in May 1892, becoming the only club.
The club turned down an opportunity to play in the Second Division during the 1892-93 season. Instead, they stayed in the Northern League. To boost popularity after the merger, Newcastle East End was renamed Newcastle United on December 9, 1892.
| Full name | Newcastle United Football Club |
| Founded date | 1881 |
| Stadium capacity | 52,305 |
| Nickname | The Magpies |
| Owner | Public Investment Fund (80%)
RB Sports & Media (14%) PCP Capital Partners (6%) |
| Chairman | Yasir Al-Rumayyan |
| Manager | Eddie Howe |
| League | Premier League |
| Website | https://www.nufc.co.uk/ |
Latest Players Results, Fixtures & Betting Odds
NUFC wrapped 2023-24 in seventh, eight points behind 4th place Aston Villa. The Magpies won six of their last nine matches, losing one and drawing two. Due to injuries, the team wants to make key additions to the squad ahead of the 2024-25 season. Experts at TestCasinos.org, a website for those interested in soccer betting, highlight key potential Newcastle United F.C. players for the next season. Some summer signings linked to the club include:
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- Max Kilman
- Pedro Neto
- Michael Olise.
Eddie Howe signed defender Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth already. However, the competition for Olise is great, and Bayern Munich appears set for a grab. Meanwhile, NUFC is fending off the interest to buy Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes. Instead, Callum Wilson will likely leave.
NUFC is also after support for No 1 Nick Pope. Since August’s transfer window is due soon, we expect new additions to make the transfer target list. NUFC’s first match of next season is against newly promoted Southampton on August 17. Based on the current performance, we expect NUFC to win, as the betting odds are in Newcastle’s favor. Plus, Eddie Howe is hunting for a promising Newcastle defender, midfielder, and striker.
Key Newcastle United Players of All Time
To account for all major players in the club’s history, we have split them into generations. They include early pioneers, mid-century legends, modern icons, recent influencers, and emerging talents. Explore famous old Newcastle players below:
Early Pioneers
Many influential figures played a crucial role in NUFC’s formative years. However, some did more than others. Two players who established the club’s identity and presence in English football are:
Jackie Milburn
Jackie Milburn joined NUFC during World War II in 1943-1957. During his time, NUFC earned a promotion back to the first division. Milburn scored 201 goals during 399 appearances. He won the 1950-51, 1951-52, and 1954-55 FA Cups as a Newcastle United Player.
Hughie Gallacher
Gallacher wore black and white between 1925-30. He is one of Scotland’s most prolific goal scorers, with a strike rate of over a goal per game. Gallacher captained NUFC to the first League Championship since 1909 in the 1926-27 season. The Scottish holds the record for the highest number of league goals in a season by a NUFC player, netting 36 times in 38 games.
The Mid-Century Legends
From the 1940s-60s, certain Newcastle legends made invaluable contributions to the club’s success. Around this period, NUFC won multiple FA Cups and awards. They are:
Bobby Mitchell
Bobby Mitchell played alongside Jackie Milburn. Hence, he was part of the team that won three FA Cups within five years. Mitchell scored a goal in the 1955 FA Cup final. In all, he scored 113 goals in 410 appearances for NUFC.
Len Shackleton
Lenoard Shackleton was dubbed the Clown Price of Football. Put differently, one of English Football’s finest entertainers. Shackleton scored six goals on his debut for Newcastle, scoring three within 155 seconds. He had 29 goals in 64 appearances to his name before leaving NUFC.
Modern Icons
The modern icons are relatable, as most still grace our screens occasionally. From the 1990s onward, these players have been part of NUFC’s contemporary history, including success on/ off the pitch.
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer holds the premier league’s goalscoring record with 260 goals. He came third in the 1996 Ballon d’Or, a testament to his prolific abilities. Shearer holds the record for most goals scored for Newcastle United, the top goalscorer in the club’s history, and most Premier League goals in one match. Likewise, most EPL goals were scored from outside the box, league penalties scored, and league goals in a 42-game season. Therefore, Shearer is one of the most famous Newcastle players.
Peter Beardsley
Peter Beardsley joined Newcastle United in 1993. During his four-year spell, he scored 58 goals in 162 appearances. Beardsley scored his first hat trick against Manchester City in 1983. He helped NUFC avoid relegation in the 1986-87 season.
David Ginola
Ginola joined NUFC in 1995. That same season, the Magpies finished second, four points behind Manchester United. The next season, they finished second again behind Manchester United. Despite only playing for two years and scoring seven goals, he was integral to the team’s success.
Recent Influencers
Like others, many footballers from Newcastle during the late 1990s have shaped the club’s present and future through their contributions. They are:
Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan registered for NUFC in 1982. He also served as a manager in 1992. As a player, Keegan scored 49 goals in 85 appearances. In his first full managerial season, Newcastle United won the First Division and were promoted to the Premier League. Kevin Keegan also finished second in the 1995-96 season.
Andy Cole
Andrew Cole is the fourth-highest goalscorer in EPL history, with an 81% strike rate for NUFC. He joined Newcastle United in 1993 and scored 12 goals on the road to the club’s promotion to the Premier League after winning the Division One title. Cole scored 34 goals in 40 matches in his first season, qualified for the UEFA Cup for the first time, and won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in the 1993-94 season.
Shola Ameobi
Ameobi spent 14 years at NUFC, netting 79 goals in 397 appearances. In 2006, he became the second Newcastle United leading goalscorer in European competition. Ameobi won the EFL Championship in the 2009-10 season. Likewise, UEFA’s Intertoto Cup in 2006.
Emerging Talents
Just like the legends, NUFC’s emerging talents have the potential to become key figures in the club’s future success. More so since the race for the 2024-25 European football is on after the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Some promising prospects are:
Allan Saint-Maximin
Allan Saint-Maximin played for Newcastle until the 2022-23 season. The winger was an integral part of the team, scoring goals and providing assists. He was EFL Cup runner-up in his last season with Newcastle United. Likewise, EPL goal of the month in August, and North East FWA player of the year in 2021.
Joelinton
Joelinton won Newcastle United Player of the Year in the 2021-22 season. Similarly, EFL Cup runner-up 2022-23. The Brazilian has scored 64 goals in 337 appearances and is a huge part of Eddie Howe’s plan for the club.
Closing Thoughts
The last time Newcastle won a trophy was in 2017, a promotion to the Premier League. Nonetheless, Newcastle United’s 143-year history has birthed iconic players who have delivered memorable performances. Most importantly, they transformed the club’s identity and legacy in English football. From early pioneers like Jackie Milburn to emerging talents such as Joelinton, their impacts cannot be overstated. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and passion for the club. And with the Magpies on a strong foot under Eddie Howe, the future looks promising for new stars.
