As Newcastle look set to embark on a brave new world, we ask a leading fans group to select the Toon's best Premier League XI.
There looks like being some huge investment coming for the Magpies, but even without that they've had some more than decent sides down the years.
From coming close to winning the Premier League under Kevin Keegan, playing in the Champions League and watching hometown hero and Premier League record goal scorer Alan Shearer bang in goal after goal, there have been plenty of good things going on at St James' Park.
Plenty to go at then, for our latest best XI series - as we gave leading fan group NUFC360 the tough task of selecting their best XI.
Goalkeeper: Shay Given
Central to the glory years at St. James’ Park, he was also named the club’s Player of the Year three times during his spell.
Right-back: Mathieu Debuchy
On his best I can't remember who's been better for us. He was fantastic in a poor team at times as well, that takes even more doing.
Centre-back: Jonathan Woodgate
I've never seen a more consistently top level performing player, and I've supported the club for 25 years.
Centre-back: Philippe Albert
Loved his forward runs, Schar reminds me of him as well.
"Absolutely glorious!"
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 10, 2019
Happy birthday, Philippe Albert! 🎈 pic.twitter.com/jBJ3dBWTW8
Left-back: Jose Enrique
I think he had a lot of help from Gutierrez defensively, but was great fun to watch and a strong and direct player. Always creating and overlapping.
Right midfield: Nolberto Solano
A cross and a shot on him close to Robert. He could swing it in from anywhere and anyone would benefit from his service. Smart in his movements.
Central midfield: Gary Speed
Took goalscoring from midfield to the next level. Always had a shot in him, always knew when to come on to those second balls in the box. And a gent. RIP.
Central midfield: Yohan Cabaye
One of the more intelligent players I've seen in our team. He could feel invisible at times, but stats would show he was still controlling games. Amazing at set pieces.
Left midfield: David Ginola
There always needs to be that mercurial player in the team, and Ginola was it. We NUFC fans love a bit of flair alongside hard work.
David Ginola scored this wonderful volley against Ferencvaros in 1996. What a goal!pic.twitter.com/YtaNtCwQRQ
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) June 9, 2017
Forward: Peter Beardsley
Quickest feet I ever saw, would thrive in a number 10 position in today's game, so probably best there. But he'd always find a final pass.
Forward: Alan Shearer
Striker with the most goals in the Premier League, still!
Alan Shearer's greatest ever goal? 🙋🏼♂️#OnThisDay in 2⃣0⃣0⃣2⃣, @alanshearer scored this sensational volley as #NUFC beat @Everton 2-1 at St. James' Park. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/oYfb26rCc4
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 1, 2019
Newcastle's all-star Premier League XI
Follow Sporting Life on social - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLifeFC
Related football content
- The Bundesliga scouting report
- What has happened to Alexis?
- De Bruyne: City's very own Galactico
- Le Tiss: The ultimate one-club man
- PODCAST: Premier League Weekly
- Pundits' Player of the Year
- Championship: Five predictions
- When Liverpool last won the title...
- 12 one-season wonders in the PL
- This season's best PL XI
- Laura Woods column: How's the bacon?
- What has happened to Coutinho?
- The best sporting documentaries
- Paper Talk - latest transfer gossip