Newcastle United's history is not just about silky skills and fancy football. To cope with life at St James' Park, players need brawn and bottle. There have been many 'hardmen' to represent the Magpies down the years, from the 1950s to the 1980s when a tackle was a different thing entirely, and into the Premier League era. Some of these tough customers are still in the Newcastle side today.
Legendary Hardmen of the Past
David Batty was quiet but as hard as nails. He said little but did his talking on the pitch, and grabbing Nicky Butt by the throat during a game at St James' Park remains a highlight. He added some beef to the Entertainers side under Kevin Keegan.
Billy Whitehurst, the Rotherham-born centre-forward, is widely regarded as the hardest player English football has seen. Even Vinnie Jones was scared of him, and Alan Hansen gave him a wide berth. "He would fight anybody and run through anybody," John Anderson, who played with him at Newcastle in 1985/86, said. "He is top of my list and I don't think anybody comes close."
Duncan Ferguson's time at St James' Park was all-too fleeting, but fans were left in no doubt over his fierce attitude on the pitch. Ruud Gullit was reminded when he stormed into his office after the 1999 derby too.
Modern-Day Tough Guys
Cheick Tiote was a fierce competitor who added steel to Alan Pardew's side which challenged for a Premier League place. Alongside Yohan Cabaye, he was not a player to be messed with. Kevin Nolan was a real leader at Newcastle in adversity both on and off the pitch, more than capable of getting stuck in, especially in the Championship promotion battle.
Joelinton has done more than anyone to transform his fortunes. The Brazilian was always a powerful forward who lacked goals, but under Eddie Howe he became an all-action midfielder who thunders into tackles and goes nose to nose with the opposition. Dan Burn brought some much-needed no-nonsense defending to the side in January 2022, and whether at centre-back or left-back, leaves everything on the pitch.
Other Notable Names
Alan Shearer could dish it out, but he could take it too. The legendary No 9 was often the target for defenders and usually came out on top in any physical battle. Laughing at Roy Keane takes some guts too. Jimmy Scoular had a reputation as a fearsome tackler and was captain of the FA Cup team in 1955. Scoular tackled like a runaway coal wagon and was prone to explosive eruptions of fury.
Joe Harvey was a true leader, a sergeant major literally. At the outbreak of World War Two he joined the Royal Artillery, working his way up in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps. Jackie Milburn admitted: "We were all scared of him." Harvey was FA Cup captain in 1951 and 1952 and then manager for the Fairs Cup win in 1969.
