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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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: A general view inside the stadium ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on April 19, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: A general view inside the stadium ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on April 19, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /

9 – Tommy Cassidy (1970-1980)

One of the top tasks and most important elements to building a successful squad is identifying talent, especially from abroad. In a very short amount of time playing in Northern Ireland, young prodigy Tommy Cassidy found himself at St. James’ Park for Newcastle United in 1970.

The signing turned out to be immensely positive, as the Belfast native provided a significant amount of wonderful moments on Tyneside. Cassidy would go on to make more than 200 appearances across all competitions for United.

It was not always easy for the midfielder, as it took time for him to break into Newcastle’s first-team rotation. Injuries were unfortunately a constant nuisance for Cassidy throughout his time at the club and with the Northern Ireland national squad.

But when healthy, he was capable of the spectacular at any moment. One sequence that stands out was a powerful blast from what seemed like a million miles away from goal versus West Ham in 1977.

His final season with the club was disappointing, as what seemed like a promotion campaign faded off in 1980. However, plenty of memories for a generation of the Toon Army recall his exploits fondly.

Tommy Cassidy faced many obstacles during his playing career, but always managed to fight through adversity to thrill the crowd.

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