Newcastle United: Team Of The Decade

By Wasim
January 10 2010

With the so called Noughties having just passed, it came to my mind to come up with a team of the decade. So I've chosen to do one with a team of the decade for Newcastle United. So here goes:

Goalkeeper: Shay Given
I don't think Newcastle have ever had a more consistent goalkeeper than Shay Given. Capable of making outrageous saves, saving penalties and the ultimate professional he deserves every honour that comes his way! Some may call him a traitor, but to me, we have never had better, not in my time at least.

Right Back: Habib Beye
He may not have been at the club for as long as Given, but he managed to become a toon favourite almost instantly. The passion, commitment and class he possessed when playing for the club was clearly visible so he gets the right back slot for me.

Centre Backs: Steven Taylor & Jonathan Woodgate
During the decade centre back was never really our strongest position, but in Woodgate we had a player who was simply outstanding. He unfortunately had many injuries but when he played, he was amongst the very best. It came as no surprise when Real Madrid came knocking on the door, but for me he was an easy pick for this team. I've chosen Steven Taylor as his partner, I may be forgetting some players but no one else really stood out. Taylor has always played for the shirt and many see him an England international in the future so he just about makes it into my team.

Left Back: Aaron Hughes
I struggled finding an appropriate left back, so instead I've gone for the versatility of Aaron Hughes. Always willing to play in different positions when needed and many supporters only realised his value when he left the club. Consistent and a very good professional I feel he deserves to be in the team ahead of players such as Bernard and Enrique who may have been natural left sided players but lacked the consistency to excel in the premier league.

Right Midfield: Nolberto Solano
The Peruvian was very much a fans favourite in his two spells at the clubs. Scoring something like 47 goals in 315 appearances all in all shows that he was capable on finding the net fairly regularly, while also he provided many assists with his quality set piece delivery.

Centre Midfield: Gary Speed and Kieron Dyer
It was difficult to find two players for this position, but in the end I went for the consistency of Gary Speed and the controversial but talented Kieron Dyer. Speed was very much an unsung hero in getting us 5th, 3rd and 4th finishes in consecutive premier league seasons. He also chipped in with crucial goals otherwise did an outstanding job in midfield. Dyer on the other hand, had an injury plagued career with Newcastle but he still managed some 251 appearances and 36 goals so his contribution should not be overlooked.

Left Midfield: Laurent Robert
The Frenchman claims the left midfield slot simply for his ability to do something out of the ordinary. He scored some absolute crackers in his time at Newcastle and his set pieces were also note worthy. Perhaps not the most hard working of players but few could deny his talent.

Strikers: Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy
Shearer picks himself. Goals, passion, commitment and strong leadership are only some of the many qualities he possessed. Arguably the greatest striker to pull on the black and white shirt but his selection in this team no one can argue with. I've chosen Craig Bellamy as his partner, simply for his pace, skill and ability to combine excellently with Shearer. He was instrumental in getting us into the champions league and few fans will ever forget his last minute winner against Feyenoord. Another controversial selection some may say but another whose talent can not go unnoticed.

Newcastle Utds Craig Bellamy (left) celebrates his goal against Bolton Wanderers with teammate Alan

Its a pretty easy choice to make the late Sir Bobby Robson our manager of the decade. His service to the club will never be forgotten and so its only fair that he makes it as the manager of the decade and that's without even looking at what a great job he did in getting us champions league football.

So there you go, that's my team Newcastle United team of the Noughties. Be sure to comment and add your own team if you can. Here's to hoping for a better decade with more success than decades past!

Newcastle United: Team Of The Decade

Posted by: TyneTalk (IP Logged)

Date: 10/01/2010 11:35

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