Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United: Top ten midfielders in club history

By Roy Emanuel

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 7: Gary Speed of Newcastle is presented with an award for playing his 400th Premiership match by Sir Bobby Robson before the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on February 7, 2004 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 7: Gary Speed of Newcastle is presented with an award for playing his 400th Premiership match by Sir Bobby Robson before the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on February 7, 2004 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /
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The victorious players of Newcastle United lift captain Joe Harvey and the FA Cup trophy on their shoulders in celebration after their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by William Vanderson/Getty Images)
The victorious players of Newcastle United lift captain Joe Harvey and the FA Cup trophy on their shoulders in celebration after their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by William Vanderson/Getty Images) /

1 – Joe Harvey (1945-1953)

Nothing endures a player to a fan’s heart quite like lifting trophies, and an entire generation of Newcastle United fans were treated to just that throughout the 1950s. A key element to that success in the period was due to Joe Harvey in the midfield, and he would become synonymous with the club during his extraordinary life.

Harvey captained the Toon to victory in two FA Cup finals (1951 & 1952), and left the sport at the peak of his powers in 1953. He made more than 200 appearances for United, and would also become one of their legendary managers years later.

Never shy about speaking his mind and fighting for what he believed in, Harvey was a fan favourite both on and off the pitch.

At a time when the Toon boasted tremendous talent in the line-up, he was the perfect leader for a squad that would capture silverware frequently in the early part of the decade.

https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/967326995431399424

As a Newcastle coach, Harvey continued his remarkable ability to lead a team to a title. He guided the Magpies to the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final in 1969, earning the club’s first European crown.

Next: Newcastle United's all-time top ten goalkeepers

An important figure for several decades and a magnificent manager, it can be easy to forget about the fantastic player that Joe Harvey was. Ultimately, it feels unlikely that fans will ever see another player with that same type of authority and overall effect.

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