Two relegations, even if two immediate promotions followed, tells the tale of what has been a grim existence as a fan of Mike Ashley’s United.
There have been moments in that time, but nothing more than glimmers. Players have come and gone – some good, a few too many not so good. Our writers Miles Starforth & Liam Kennedy rank the BEST 25 to play in black and white between 2010 and 2020.
1. Andy Carroll
Andy Carroll started and ended the decade at Newcastle United. A decade ago, Carroll was establishing himself as a first-team player. Now, he’s one of the most experienced players in the club’s dressing room. The striker’s career has been blighted by ankle problems. However, significantly, he hasn’t been troubled by his ankle since making his second United debut. What Carroll now needs to do is bring goals to Newcastle, as its been more than nine years since his last strike for the club. Photo: Alex Livesey
2. Peter Lovenkrands
“Signed on a free, from Germany” is still sung by Newcastle United fans in away ends up and down the country. Lovenkrands – who had been a target for Sir Bobby Robson the in the previous decade – was a popular figure at the club at the start of the decade after joining on a free transfer following his release from Schalke. The striker was still very quick, and he helped the club win promotion back to the Premier League in the 2009/10 season. Photo: Matthew Lewis
3. Fabricio Coloccini
The Argentine arrived with a big pedigree but played a big part in the relegation of the club to the Championship in 2009. It was a disaster first season for a player who would remarkably go on to play more than 250 games for the club, and skipper the side to boot. A classy defender with fantastic ability to read the game, as well as show a real nasty streak, endeared him to the United faithful in eight years on Tyneside, even if there were as many ups as there were downs in that time for the team, and notably the player. Photo: Clive Mason
4. Fabian Schar
In the history of Newcastle United, few defenders have ever had the skillset of the Switzerland international. A class act from the heart of defence, who can hopefully continue his classy, goalscoring exploits at St James's Park well into the next decade. A new contract is a must for Schar, whose current deal is up in 2021. Photo: Alex Livesey