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.
Bobby Mitchell Newcastle United 1949-61, winner of 3 FA Cups. #nufc #legend pic.twitter.com/Z13Hay7xA5
— OldToonFan (@old_toon) November 13, 2016
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.