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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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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Ex Newcastle player and media pundit Chris Waddle looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on November 1, 2014 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Ex Newcastle player and media pundit Chris Waddle looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on November 1, 2014 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

10 – Chris Waddle (1980-1985)

A manager will always look for players who can work well together, that sometimes difficult objective of chemistry that can be very elusive. Newcastle United boss Arthur Cox enjoyed that aspect in an important 1983-84 season that earned promotion back to the top flight, and Chris Waddle was a major contributor to success.

Alongside Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley, the English international was able to create scoring chances constantly and help to create a potent attack.

As tough as he was creative, Waddle rarely missed many matches and was an important component of Toon line-ups at the time.

His story was one of hard work and dedication as well, fighting for a place in the club after being overlooked at trials elsewhere. The attacking midfielder eventually made over 175 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies.

Unafraid to go his own way, Waddle’s career took unique twists and turns after departing Tyneside. Following stops at Tottenham and Marseille, things certainly became interesting.

Waddle went on to play for a number of different sides including Sheffield Wednesday, Falkirk, Bradford City, Sunderland (yikes), Burnley and Worksop Town (can’t stop those Tigers!).

He made an impact on the international stage also, chosen for the Three Lions in two FIFA World Cups (1986 & 1990). Waddle’s last cap for England was in 1991.

The right player at the right time, Chris Waddle was a fantastic midfielder for Newcastle United.

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