Remembering five of Newcastle United’s wing wizards

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Newcastle United have possessed many talented wide players in recent years. How many of the Magpies’ wing wizards can you remember?

Newcastle United fans are famed for their adoration of a centre forward – such as the legendary Jackie Milburn, Malcolm MacDonald, Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, who all experienced hero status on the Gallowgate End.

However, as many goal-getters will attest, the success of the archetypal number 9 is often dependent upon the service received from team mates. At Newcastle, the prolific nature of Messrs Shearer etc al are due, in part, to the delivery from wide areas of the St James’ Park turf.

Long-time supporters of the Magpies may fondly recall the likes of Terry Hibbett, Tony Green, Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Smith and even Ruel Fox scuttling along the sideline.

Today’s Magpies line-up often sees wide man Matt Ritchie provide modern day incumbent, Dwight Gayle, with plenty of scoring chances as the Toon shoot their way to an immediate return to the Premier League.

Whether it be Ritchie to Gayle, or Solano to Shearer, HITC Sport looks back and remembers a selection of Newcastle’s most memorable wing wizards.

Laurent Robert

Frenchman Robert arrived at St James’ Park from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2001, after then Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson paid close to £10m for the winger’s services. During his time in the North East, Robert played more than 100 times, scoring 30 league goals, and forged a strong partnership with compatriot Olivier Bernard on Robson’s left flank – as the left winger became synonymous with dynamic set pieces and numerous crosses for captain Shearer.

Nolberto Solano

A firm fans favourite, Peruvian Solano was a mainstay on Newcastle’s right side between 1998 and 2004 and 2005 to 2008, playing over 300 times during two spells for the Magpies. Solano, whilst not the most prolific of wingers, provided numerous assists with his ability to pick a pass and deliver accurate crosses from wide areas. Solano’s long career lasted towards his forties – including stints at Aston Villa, West Ham United, Leicester City, Hull City and Hartlepool United.

David Ginola

The second France international to make the list, Ginola was one of Newcastle’s most memorable wing wizards of recent times. In 1995, six years prior to Robert’s move to St James’ Park, Newcastle signed Ginola from PSG for approximately £2.5m.

The arrival of Ginola was one of many attacking talents signed by manager Kevin Keegan throughout the mid-90s; with the flamboyant winger a major part of the Newcastle side that so nearly triumphed in the Premier League, but ultimately surrendered a 12-point lead to finish second. Ginola was also seen regularly providing skills, tricks and thrills for the fans, alongside assists for the likes of Les Ferdinand and Shearer, amongst others.

Keith Gillespie

In many of Keegan’s attacking Newcastle line-ups between 1995 and 1997, Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie was deployed on the opposite flank to Ginola. Gillespie began his professional career at Manchester United, but after being unable to dislodge Red Devils’ winger Andrei Kanchelskis the Ulster-man left Old Trafford to join the Magpies as part of the controversial deal that took Andy Cole in the opposite direction.

Gillespie played more than 100 times for Newcastle, including a stunning performance against Barcelona in their 1997-98 Champions League encounter – providing assists for two of Faustino Asprilla’s hat-trick.

Chris Waddle

Talented winger Waddle began his professional career with a five year spell with Newcastle – making close to 200 appearances before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 1985. Waddle was a significant contributor to Newcastle’s strike force of Peter Beardsley and Kevin Keegan, as the Magpies won promotion to the First Division at the end of a successful 1983-84 season.

Waddle won 62 England caps between 1985 and 1991, including being a pivotal figure as the Three Lions reached the World Cup semi-finals of Italia ’90 – which saw Waddle star alongside fellow Geordie Paul Gascoigne, but also infamously miss a penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against West Germany.