1 – Shay Given (1997-2009)
It’s funny how things work out sometimes. Despite playing for both Sunderland and Middlesbrough during his career, number one on our list is none other than Shay Given (we can forgive him for those two other stops).
The Irish international is third on the list of all-time appearances for the Magpies with 462 games, and was a constant presence at the back for many of the team’s great recent moments.
He was able to win the starting job quite quickly when he signed at St. James’ Park in 1997, and he beat out solid competition to make that happen. With the likes of Pavel Srníček and Shaka Hislop up against him, Given helped lead the squad to the 1998 FA Cup final.
Managerial changes did not make the future any easier, as Sir Bobby Robson and Glenn Roeder each brought in goalkeeping reinforcements when they felt it was necessary.
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One of his best runs came in 2004, as he was a key component to the Magpies’ thrilling run in the UEFA Cup.
Now often working as a football pundit, the 41-year-old played up until 2017.
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Newcastle United fans will always cherish the wonderful European nights at St. James’ Park. When they re-live those memories, more times than not Shay Given was the goalkeeper for those teams.