Picking the All-Time Newcastle United XI | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Goalkeeper: Willie McFaul
McFaul played between the sticks 290 times in the league for the Magpies, as well as both legs of the '69 Fairs Cup final. An agile 'keeper with fast reflexes, McFaul would make a strong stand-in for Given.
Defender: Joe Harvey
A great United captain, Harvey played in the old "half-back" position. He steered the side to the FA Cup wins in the '50s and then to European success as a manager in '69. Harvey misses out due to Albert's inclusion as the ball-playing centre-back.
Defender: John Beresford
A left-back from Keegan's "Entertainers," Beresford spent six years at Newcastle bombing forward to great effect. Not as defensively solid as Hudspeth, "Bez" will have to settle for making an impact off the bench.
Midfielder: Rob Lee
A great all-round player, Lee only narrowly missed out on a starting berth to Speed. A mainstay in United's midfield for 10 years, Lee made 379 appearances, scoring 56 goals. If not for the wealth of creative and attacking talent available, Lee would have featured in the XI.
Midfielder: Paul Gascoigne
One of the most talented players to ever grace a football pitch, Gazza enjoyed three seasons with his boyhood club. Had he spent longer with the Toon, he would undoubtedly feature in the starting lineup, but it's difficult to include someone who left Newcastle at 21 ahead of 119-goal Beardsley.
Striker: Andy Cole
One of the best strikers of the Premier League era, Cole had an incredible goals-per-games ratio, scoring 68 in 84. Better associated with Manchester United, Cole was still a great player in his short time at Newcastle.
Striker: Hughie Gallacher
The most prolific scorer in the club's history, Gallacher netted 143 times in 174 appearances. The tiny forward captained Newcastle to a league title in 1926/27, and misses out on a starting place on sheer goals scored.
