Andy Carroll vs Aleksandar Mitrovic, Matt Ritchie vs Peter Lovenkrands – who makes it into our Championship conquering team?
They say every cloud has a silver lining, even the thick, grey fog of North East England. Humiliating relegations in 2010 and 2016 elicited tears on the terraces of Tyneside but, on both occasions, things have turned out rather well in the end.
After all, winning games is a lot more enjoyable than losing them, whatever the level. Chris Hughton’s Magpies soared to promotion, breaking the 100-point barrier to boot six years ago and the current crop inspired by Rafa Benitez are on track to repeat the feet.
But how many of the 2016 vintage would find a place in 2010’s winning machine?
Karl Darlow
Ironically, after spending season after season watching on from the sidelines, Steve Harper’s longest run in the Newcastle team came in their one campaign outside of the top flight. Yet, while the local lad rolled back the years in 2009/10, Darlow continues to go from strength to strength after ousting the flappy-limbed Belgian Matz Sels.
Vurnon Anita
Tenacious and tactically aware, Anita is the ultimate utility man for a long, hard, slog of a season. Equally adept in defensive midfield, or even left-back, the Dutch international provides balance and discipline wherever he is deployed.
Jamaal Lascelles
A year ago, the former Nottingham Forest youngster was barely getting a look in under Steve McClaren. Though far from the brolly-less wally’s worst decision in the Newcastle dugout, Benitez spotted Lascelles’ excellent potential and surprising leadership a mile off. Captain at 23, the classy centre-half can only get better.
Fabricio Coloccini
Ironically, it was the poodle-haired Argentine who Lascelles finally displaced in the line-up towards the end of last season. To say Coloccini’s Newcastle career fizzled out would be rather kind, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that it was his front-foot defending that helped guide The Toon back to their rightful place in 2010.
Jose Enrique
Although he fell off the face of the earth at Liverpool and eventually turned up in the Spanish second tier, there is a reason why The Reds were so keen to sign Jose Enrique in the first place. An intelligent defender and effective going forward, even the most ardent Newcastle fan would struggle to argue that Paul Dummett is his equal.
Matt Ritchie
The Scotland international tore the division apart with Bournemouth in 2014/15, scoring 15 and creating a scarcely-believably 17 more as the South Coast club sauntered into the Premier League for the first time. Such figures appear impossible to replicate this time around but there’s little arguing that Ritchie belongs at a higher level.
Jonjo Shelvey
When Ian Holloway opens his mouth it is usually a good idea to get your pinch of salt ready and waiting but, upon describing Jonjo Shelvey as the greatest player he had ever seen in the second tier, he was not embarking on one of his whimsical witticisms. Although the former England international has certainly benefitted from the time and space granted to him by second rate defences, Shelvey’s metronomic passing and stunning free-kicks make him a shoe-in for the Team of the Season.
Kevin Nolan
Stylistically, Nolan could hardly be more different to his midfield partner. Dogged and vocal, Nolan was the perfect fit for a promotion push, adding desire and passion that had been lacking for far too long in the Newcastle midfield. And that is without mentioning the 17 goals, many of which originated from a trademark Andy Carroll knockdown.
Jonas Gutierrez
While the likes of Damien Duff scarpered for the big bucks and the bright lights of the Premier League, fans favourite Jonas remained true to his new employers by remaining at St James’ following their relegation. A versatile, skilful winger, the Argentine formed an effective partnership with Enrique on the left-flank.
Dwight Gayle
Comfortably the division’s top scorer with 13 goals in 13 games, Gayle is right on track to obliterate Glenn Murray’s Championship record of 30 from 2012/13. It always seemed a mystery why Alan Pardew never offered a speedy poacher more of a chance and, to the Newcastle fans delight, their former gaffer must be cursing his call right now.
Andy Carroll
Prior to the ponytail, the injuries and the ill-judged move to Merseyside, Andy Carroll was one of the brightest striking talents in English football, with second tier defences at a loss with how to deal with his ferocious heading ability. The youngster’s 17 goals proved invaluable, as did his superb understanding with Nolan.
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