Few cities are as united around one football team as Newcastle. It is almost impossible to walk anywhere in the city without bumping into someone wearing the famous black and white striped shirt and the fans expect the players to show the same passion they do. If they can match that dedication they become legends on Tyneside forever.
Take Kevin Keegan for example. A Yorkshireman by birth his exploits playing for and managing the club have earned him honorary Geordie status for life. Joining the Toon late in his career, Keegan hit 48 goals in two seasons, earning the side promotion to the First Division. He made even more of an impact in his first spell as manager.
Keegan transformed the Magpies from relegation candidates in the old second division to Premier League title contenders in just two seasons. The 1995-96 season gave them perhaps their best ever chance to be crowned champions of English football. Ten points clear of Manchester United at Christmas it seemed the title would be heading to Tyneside, but a strong fightback from United meant it was not to be. Now back at the helm at Newcastle, Keegan will be hoping to create a few more legends as he aims to turn the club back into title contenders.
As well as Keegan there are three more centre-forwards afforded legendary status in Newcastle. The first helped the club to three FA Cups in the Fifties, Jackie Milburn. Milburn scored 177 goals in his 14 years with the club. In the Seventies it was Malcolm Macdonald's turn to wow the St James' Park crowd. 'Supermac' as he was known hit 95 goals on Tyneside before moving to Arsenal. In 1996 Newcastle broke the transfer record for their most recent hero. Alan Shearer joined his boyhood team for £15 million and repaid them with ten years of loyal service and 206 goals.