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Newcastle United: Top ten goalkeepers in club history

By Roy Emanuel

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given tries to look out during the snow blizzard during the 5th Round FA Cup match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James Park on February 20, 2005 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given tries to look out during the snow blizzard during the 5th Round FA Cup match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James Park on February 20, 2005 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: A general view of the stadium prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James’ Park on August 29, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: A general view of the stadium prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James’ Park on August 29, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

7 – Martin Thomas (1983-1988)

While it was Kevin Carr’s work at goalkeeper for the Toon that helped get the club back to the First Division, it was another at the position who would take the number one spot as Newcastle United resumed top-flight football.

Martin Thomas was the player who led from the back, and helped to keep the team in control as they again navigated England’s top tier. Thomas made over 100 appearances for United, and offered great stability at a time when the club needed it the most.

He spent several years as the starter for Bristol Rovers before signing with United in 1983. Like his team-mates did as well, Thomas had to deal with multiple manager changes throughout his time on Tyneside.

Arthur Cox departed after winning promotion, with the post filled by Jack Charlton and Willie McFaul after him.

It is not easy to thrive under those types of conditions, as Newcastle fans have again seen since Mike Ashley’s takeover of the club. But Thomas was able to be a reliable aspect of teams that kept the Magpies in the First Division.

A goalkeeper must be able to self-motivate, and that is what Martin Thomas was able to do successfully with Newcastle United.

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