6 – David Ginola (1995-1997)
Alright, now I want to preface these next two selections with a bit of a disclaimer. The recent top ten lists have had a great focus on the time spent with the club, and the number of appearances and overall contributions stand out. But sometimes a massive impact can be brief, and David Ginola is a part of that category.
Throwback to a skillful strike from David Ginola in 1996!#NUFC #TBT #HWTL pic.twitter.com/rxfsyqoYsW
— Newcastle Toons (@NewcastleToons) January 25, 2018
The Frenchman arrived on Tyneside in 1995, as Kevin Keegan was adding pieces to his Entertainers side with the hopes of conquering England and Europe. Ginola’s skill was at another level, and he managed to provide magical moments in a short period of time.
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He was a key element to the Toon’s title challenges in those years, and added another dimension to the United attack. If Keegan had stayed longer or perhaps if the midfielder was able to get along better with Kenny Dalglish, Ginola could have been at St. James’ Park for more than only a few seasons.
In some ways, it was what Ginola’s signing represented that was as important as his play on the pitch. Newcastle beat out the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona to secure his signature in the summer of 1995, and that was something that made all Geordies feel like the club was at a new level.
It wasn’t just David Ginola’s fantastic ability on the ball that was exciting, it was the hope that he provided for the future.