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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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7th May 1955: Newcastle United footballer, Bobby Mitchell (centre) scoring Newcastle’s second goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
7th May 1955: Newcastle United footballer, Bobby Mitchell (centre) scoring Newcastle’s second goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images) /

7 – Bobby Mitchell (1949-1961)

The 1950s were a truly successful decade for Newcastle United, lifting three FA Cup trophies (1951, 1952 & 1955). Starting in all three of those cup finals was Bobby Mitchell, and his work out wide for the Magpies was a key component to success.

While there is a case to be made to consider Mitchell a forward, his work as a midfielder was prominent as well. The Glasgow native made more than 400 appearances for United from 1949 to 1961.

The Toon Army dubbed Mitchell “Dazzler” thanks to his tremendous skill and touch on the ball, and those abilities served him well as a true creative force for the Magpies.

The Scottish international scored over 100 goals on Tyneside, and was a constant menace to opposing defences.

Wide midfielders carry a great importance now just as they did then for Newcastle, as the likes of Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie are counted on to make a genuine impact. For managers like Stan Seymour and Doug Livingstone, they were able to rely on the mercurial talents of Mitchell.

To win three major titles in a five-year period takes a strong commitment to excellence, and the drive towards improving. Newcastle United had that throughout their line-up in the 1950s, and was exemplified out wide through Bobby Mitchell.

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