From dramatically surrendering a 12-point lead in 1995/96 to two relegations and subsequent returns, the Toon Army have had a big impact on the Premier League.
Toon Army Legends: 5 Famous Newcastle United Cult Favourites
Over that time they have seen many of their players elevated to the level of cult heroes, and here we break down the top five Newcastle United players to warm themselves to Magpies fans and neutrals alike.
Toon Army Legends: Les Ferdinand
Arriving at the peak of Newcastle’s powers, Les Ferdinand had a big impact on their 1995/96 campaign. The former QPR striker netted 29 goals in his first season with the club as he combined wonderfully with Alan Shearer.
Ferdinand scored 21 goals the season after but after Kevin Keegan’s departure in January 1997, it became clear that the England striker would be sold to free up money to be spent in other areas. Nevertheless, his two seasons on Tyneside had a big impact on the Toon Army and he is still affectionately known as “Sir Les” by their supporters.
Toon Army Legends: Faustino Asprilla
From his arrival during a snowstorm to his hat-trick against Barcelona, there have not been many players who made a bigger impact in a short time on Tyneside than Faustino Asprilla. Pitching up during the 1995/96 season, he was arguably better known for his off-the-field actions than his displays on it.
The Colombian netted 18 goals in 61 games for the Magpies but struggled with consistency before being sold back to Parma in 1998. However, his hat-trick in Newcastle’s 3-2 Champions League win over Barcelona remains a thing of legend at St James’ Park.
Toon Army Legends: Nolberto Solano
Signed from Boca Juniors in 1998, Nolberto Solano would spend eight years across two spells at Newcastle and remains a local legend. The midfielder was the first Peruvian to play in the Premier League and was an integral part of the Magpies side that reached the 1999 FA Cup final before losing to Manchester United.
Solano netted 12 goals in all competitions for Newcastle in the 2001/02 season, a strong return for a midfielder. He is known for his trumpet playing and set up a Peruvian restaurant in the city following his retirement, which has now closed.
Toon Army Legends: Shola Ameobi
Shola Ameobi was a local boy, born within a few miles of St James’ Park, who went on to make 397 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 79 times.
The striker was best loved for his record against Sunderland, netting seven times against their rivals, which led to the nickname the “Mackem Slayer”. He now works at the club in an ambassadorial role.
Toon Army Legends: Hatem Ben Arfa
One of the most talented players of the Mike Ashley era, Hatem Ben Arfa endeared himself to Newcastle fans from the off with a thunderbolt strike on his full debut against Everton in September 2010.
More spectacular goals followed, most notably against Blackburn and Bolton, but the winger struggled with consistency throughout his four years on Tyneside. Nevertheless, Ben Arfa was a key member of one of Newcastle’s most successful teams in recent times and is revered for his creativity and flair.
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