YOU have to include Tommy Gibb, implored one time-served Newcastle fan.Tommy Gibb? critiqued another, less than constructively. He was absolutely ****! But then, thats the point.
The Sunday Sun's series of special features aimed at nailing down the North's top football talent continues today with our list of the region's 50 greatest post-war midfielders. And the selection process itself stirred more debate than Question Time.
Now at www.sundaysun.co.uk its over to you. Good luck. Armed with stats, facts, opinion and wistful reminiscence, our chosen few could never be conclusively authoritative. Not when some of those straw-polled reacted thus: Fifty? Good midfielders? In the Norf (sic)? and Have there been 50 worth a shout?
And my brothers fiance suggests Michael Owen!
Seriously though, without the strikers pure tell of goals scored, or a keepers clean sheets, how do you compare midfielders when the demands of the position differ so markedly across the pitch, and through time?
Impact, I was briefed, was to be the acid test.
Even then though, how to balance the on-field tangibles with the romantic thrill of setting the heart aflutter?
(Appearances shown are for league only)
:: Cast your eye over our list then place your vote here
1 PAUL GASCOIGNE (Newcastle 85-88, 92; Boro 98-00, 41)
FORGET for a moment the injuries, the off-field problems oh, the off-field problems and the dips in form caused by both. Forget Fog on the Tyne.
Think a chubby-faced, cocksure cherub emerging at the club he loved, think of him in the grip of but unbowed by Vinnie Jones, of that Wembley FA Cup semi-final free-kick against Seaman, and of Italia 90 and Euro96. Think of these and revel in memories of the most mercurially-gifted purveyor of natural midfield talent this country has produced.
They say genius can come tinged with a touch of insanity, and as Sir Bobby Robson said, Gazza was daft as a brush. At his best, he was also THE best.
2 STAN ANDERSON (Sunderland 52-63, 402; Newcastle 63-65, 81; Boro 65-66, 21)
AFFECTIONATELY known as Captain of the North due to being the only player to play for, and captain, our big three.
Stan led Sunderland to the Division Two title in 1955, then enjoyed two good years at Newcastle before heading for Middlesbrough.
Remembered for his ability to quickly turn defence into attack.
3 TONY GREEN (Newcastle 71-73, 39)
HE was not at United long, but The Wonder left a lasting mark before a knee injury ended his career.
Yet the sheer wonder of watching him dribble, and stamp games with his swashbuckling ability, bravery and determination left those who saw him play feeling privileged to have done so.
If you dont believe me, mention his name to someone who was.
Watch their eyes glaze over.
4 JIMMY SCOULAR (Newcastle 53-60, 247)
THE finest tackler of the ball I ever saw, said no less than Duncan Edwards of a tough, combative hard-man boasting precise passing skills to match his tireless stamina.
A submarine engineer on HMS Dolphin before becoming a footballer, his stature was such he was handed the captaincy on his arrival at Newcastle, leading them to victory in the 1955 FA Cup final.
5 DENNIS TUEART (Sunderland 68-74, 178)
TERRORISING defenders over 18 years, Dennis made his name at Sunderland.
The nation only noticed his quality after his performance in the 1973 Cup Final, but all over the North East, people were well aware of what the pint-sized winger had in his locker.
Tueart had the ability to have defenders panicking with his quick, unpredictable feet, pace and pin-point crossing.
6 GRAEME SOUNESS (Boro 72-78, 176)
SIGNING from Spurs in 1972, Souness went on to become one of the games biggest legends. A marauding midfielder, he often lead by example; the way he read the game and his ability to create chances made him a key player during his time on Teeside.
Souness netted a hat-trick in 1974s 8-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday as Boro became Second Division Champions.
7 BOBBY KERR (Sunderland 66-78, 368)
HE'S here, he's there, he's every, everywhere, Bobby Kerr! was the cry from the stands and it was the most accurate assessment of the type of player Bobby was.
Often winning the ball on the edge of his own area and, within seconds, being up the other-end to get on the end of a cross, Kerr's engine was one of his greatest assets. Captain of the 1973 Cup winning side.
8 JUNINHO (Boro 95-97, 99-00 & 02-04, 127)
SHOCKED the world when he chose to sign for Middlesbrough in 1995 for a hefty £4.75 million. Juninho was visibly distraught after the club's relegation in 1997.
A true North East legend, the pint-sized playmaker had three successful spells at Boro and is forever adored by their fans, scoring and creating some fantastic and important goals during his stay.
9 BOBBY MITCHELL (Newcastle 48-60, 367)
SHOW em yer a**e! was Bobby Dazzler's frequent call-to- arms from United boss George Martin, and for 13 seasons after his arrival from Third Lanark, he used his dribbling skills to do just that.
Three FA Cup wins included a goal in the 1955 final, before Bobby, aka Mitch the Magician, Maestro Mitchell and The Matthews of the Magpies was player-manager of Gateshead.
10 ROB LEE (Newcastle 92-02, 303)
UNITED'S greatest ever No 37, a box-to-box midfielder who became a vital component of the Entertainers.
His goals came from everywhere, including a hat- trick of headers against Royal Antwerp, and after losing the 1998 and 1999 FA Cup finals, the captaincy and even a shirt number under Ruud Gullit, he flourished once more as one of Sir Bobby's Blue-chip players.
11 DAVID GINOLA (Newcastle 95-97, 58)
BECAUSE hes worth it. Bought as Keegan sought to establish United as a major force in English football, the signing of the housewives favourite was something of a coup.
For two years on Tyneside the aesthetic beauty and violent destruction his Gallic flair brought to bear on opponents dovetailed seamlessly with his sides array of attacking weapons.
12 BRIAN HONOUR (Hartlepool 85-94, 301; Darlington 82-85, 59)
BRIAN Honour has done it all for Hartlepool.
Started out at Darlington, but made the switch to Hartlepool in 1985. Brians whole-hearted displays on the right of midfield and occasional stunning goals made him a real fans favourite.
Honour is still Pools joint top scorer of all time (36) and fourth on their all-time appearance list. A Hartlepool legend.
13 LEE CLARK (Newcastle 90-97 & 05-06, 217; Sunderland 97-99, 74)
WALKER-born Clark came up through the ranks to become a fundamental part of KKs Newcastle Entertainers.
Crossing the Tyne-Wear divide with ease, the midfield all-rounder helped Sunderland to the Division One title, with a then-record 105 points.
He later returned to Tyneside for a swansong.
14 CHRIS WADDLE (Newcastle 80-85, 170; Sunderland 97, 7)
FELLING-born former sausage-maker Chris joined Newcastle from Tow Law Town and went on to form a devastating partnership with Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley in black and white.
All shoulders, step-overs and sidesteps, his languid style looked lazy but could be lethal, as proved at Spurs and Marseille Had a brief stint at Sunderland.
15 BOBBY MURDOCH (Boro 73-76, 95)
ALREADY a legend north of the border upon his arrival, Bobby Murdoch was brought to Boro by Jack Charlton to tutor a young Graeme Souness.
Enjoyed a three-year stay but despite his goalscoring reputation only managed six goals for Boro.
This was more than compensated for by the Scotsmans performances in a red shirt.
16 TONY TOWERS (Sunderland 74-77, 108)
CHRISTENED Mark Anthony Towers, Tony was important for Sunderland upon arriving in the deal that saw Dennis Teuart and Mick Horswill move to Man City.
His performances saw him earn an England call-up and was handed his debut against Wales. He went on to make a further two appearances for his country while at Sunderland. A player who liked to get stuck-in.
17 NOLBERTO SOLANO (Newcastle 98-04 & 05-07, 240; Pools 2011)
TRUMPETER Nolberto Albino Solano Todco Nobby to friends, including his Salsa band, The Geordie Latinos has appeared on stamps and telephone cards in his native Peru; his wedding was televised. Diego Maradona called him The Maestrito!
His delivery from crosses and set-pieces laid on many a goal; recently signed for Hartlepool.
18 JIM BAXTER (Sunderland 65-67, 87)
ARGUABLY the greatest Scottish player, Slim Jim had a relatively short stay at Sunderland, but made a great impact.
It was often joked Jim would drink himself unconscious the night before a game and still play well the next day. Scored his fair-share of goals during his stay, but was best known for his ability to manipulate the ball around the pitch with his feet.
19 TERRY HIBBITT (Newcastle 71-75, 138)
HANDED a Newcastle debut with Malcolm Macdonald, he would cement his place in Toon folklore by becoming the architect of many of Supermacs goals.
Noted for his accuracy from a wand of a left peg, his work-rate and overall contribution to team affairs held him in high regard. After a spell at Birmingham City he saw out his playing days with United then Gateshead.
20 IAN PORTERFIELD (Sunderland 67-76, 229)
THOUGH not particularly the best midfielder of all-time, his FA Cup final goal against Leeds in 1973 gives him legendary status in the North East, if not the world.
More a player to help relieve pressure than to create a chance or score a goal, the Scotsman is sadly no longer with us but was honoured by fans and players on the pitch during Sunderlands game with Reading in 2007.
21 KEVIN BALL (Sunderland 90-99, 340)
SIGNED by Denis Smith in 1990, it wasnt until under the management of Peter Reid that Bally realised his full potential.
Initially a centre-half, Reid saw his skipper as more of a box-to-box midfield player.
Probably best remembered for a tackle on Newcastles Duncan Ferguson that, despite being 40 yards from goal, the ball looped up and cannoned of his own bar.
22 RITCHIE HUMPHREYS (Hartlepool 01-present, 428)
NAME the position, Ritchie probably played there in blue and white. Playing the majority of his games on the left or in the middle, he has carved his own name into Pools folklore.
England U20s international Ritchie is well loved for his passion and determination; honoured by the Queen for a significant contribution to local and national life.
23 PAUL BRACEWELL (Sunderland 83-84, 89-92 & 95-97, 228; Newcastle 92-95, 73)
TENACIOUS is one word to describe Paul Bracewell. The energetic midfielder was always praised for simple, but effective, back-and-side approach.
Another fitting word for Bracewell is journeyman and was often moving to and from Wearside, with a three-year stint and Newcastle in between.
24 PAUL INCE (Boro 99-02, 93)
FORTY-FIVE England caps and many medals were on Pauls CV by the time he arrvided arrival on Teesside and he far exceeded Boros expectations.
Immediately becoming club captain, he scored nine goals during his three-year stay.
His form had fans hoping of a contract extension, but they were left shocked when the former Manchester United man left for Wolves in 2002.
25 GARY SPEED (Newcastle 98-04, 213)
A LEGEND in the Valleys the current Wales boss captained his country and holds its record for the most number of outfield caps Speed was also the holder of the record for the most Premiership appearances, at 535, until surpassed by David James.
A goalscoring midfielder, particularly from distance and in the air, he was another of Sir Bobbys Blue-chip brigade.
26 STUART RIPLEY (Boro 85-92, 249)
AT Ayresome for almost the exact same time period as Bernie Slaven, how many of the Scots goals came from Ripleys whipped crosses?
Though he scored a few himself, pace and crossing ability were Stuarts main assets as Alan Shearer would later benefit from he helped Boro into the Premier League and was twice capped by England. Became a physio and solicitor.
27 BILLY BINGHAM (Sunderland 50-58, 227)
A SMALL, elusive winger, the Northern Ireland star was a Wearside hero with his pinpoint delivery from wide areas.
Despite his creative edge, Bingham also had an eye for goal, managing to find the net on 47 occasions for Sunderland. Left Sunderland in 1958, but wherever he went, Billy received the same amount of adoration he encountered on Wearside.
28 ROBBIE MUSTOE (Boro 90-02, 365)
DESCRIBED as one of the most honest professionals in the game by Gareth Southgate, Mustoe was signed under the Rioch-Todd axis and was a regular for Lennie Lawrence.
Loyal and uncomplaining, his consistency and hard work saw him play in all of Boros three failed Wembley finals in the 90s; shared the 1999 player of the year award with Hamilton Ricard.
29 JIMMY SMITH (Newcastle 69-75, 129)
LAZY to some, a ball-playing delight to others, Jinky came to Newcastle from Scotland via US side Washington Whips.
Once on Tyneside his mazy runs bamboozled opponents and enthralled Newcastle supporters .
However, persistent knee problems forced him to retire all too prematurely at the age of just 29.
30 TOMMY CRAIG (Newcastle 74-77, 124; Carlisle 81-84, 98)
THE Scot has been described by those who saw him as a great ball player, a delight to watch and more than a mere Tanner ball player.
Were told that means Craig could conjure more than pretty, if meaningless, tricks with a ball that would have cost a sixpence. A cultured player, he later went to Carlisle before returning to St James Park as a coach.
31 BILL HARRIS (Boro 54-65, 378)
ELEVEN years and 72 goals on Teesside, Harris was an exciting winger who will always be remembered for his head down, straight to the byline approach.
His ability to cross and terrorise opposition from wide areas lead to him becoming on of the games most exciting players. Harris also had an eye for goal and wasnt shy to pull the trigger from range.
32 PREBEN ARENTOFT (Newcastle 68-70, 46)
A GREAT Dane whose international career was limited by his countrys strict rules at the time, favouring amateurs over professionals, the man christened Benny by United fans scored in the second leg of the Fairs Cup final.
Also remembered for having deputised for injured keeper Willie McFaul in a 5-1 win over Manchester United in 1970.
33 CHRIS BALDERSTONE (Carlisle 65-75, 376)
SCORING a penalty past Pat Jennings briefly had Carlisle top of the Football League, Chris went on to play for the Cumbrians for ten years, and voted their most technically gifted player of all-time.
Captaining the side, Chris scored Carlisles first ever goal in Englands second tier with a second-minute opener against Norwich. Also played first class cricket scoring over 19,000 runs.
34 GEORGE HERD (Sunderland 61-70, 278)
WANTED by many of Europes top clubs at the time, the young, central midfielder chose Alan Browns side. Despite being a raw talent, showed maturity on the ball and often asserted his authority on the game.
A creative and cultured player, Herd also knew how to find the net, scoring 47 goals in nine years at the club. Only capped five times by Scotland.
35 DAVID ARMstrong (Boro 71-81, 359)
DURHAM-born David holds the record for the most number of consecutive appearances in a Boro shirt 358 games in all competitions, 305 in the league.
Whilst falling short of prolific, David averaged a goal every six games from midfield.
And in honour of his loyal service to the Teessiders, he was afforded a testimonial aged just 25.
36 TOMMY CASSIDY (Newcastle 70-80, 180)
A PROLIFIC striker in his teens, he joined United after just 14 outings for Glentoran and, converted to an attacking midfielder, won the Texaco Cup twice but lost in FA Cup and League Cup finals.
The Northern Ireland international played at the 1982 World Cup in the 10-man, 1-0 win over Spain. Later linked with the United job prior to Keegans first appointment.
37 TOMMY WALKER (Newcastle 41-54, 184)
A CHAMPION sprinter in his youth, Walker spent the first 12 years of his football career at Newcastle, before being sold to Oldham.
The Cramlington-born star helped buttress from deep a Newcastle front line comprising the likes of Ernie Taylor, George Robledo, Jackie Milburn and Bobby Mitchell.
With them, he won two FA Cups in the early 50s.
38 MICK MARTIN (Newcastle 78-84, 147)
THE oracle of the airwaves on Newcastle until just a few years ago, Mick spoke with the authority of having spent five years at St James, some of them as captain.
Despite confusion among some over his nationality, the Dubliner won 51 caps for the Republic of Ireland, later played for County Durham side Willington, and later still coached at United.
39 GAVIN PEACOCK (Newcastle 90-93, 105)
A BIT churchy, Peacock was a goal-getting midfielder who often deputised up front, scoring countless vital goals as Newcastle avoided relegation into the old Third Division before romping to Premier League promotion.
He did not last much longer on Tyneside, enjoying further notable success at Chelsea. Took theology studies with a view to becoming a Christian minister.
40 GEORGE MULHALL (Sunderland 62-69, 253)
GEORGES 125 consecutive appearances is a record that still stands at Sunderland. The tricky Scottish winger was often praised for his high stamina levels and ability to leave his opponents standing.
Despite being effective out-wide, he managed 66 goals in his seven-year stay. George left Sunderland for the sun of Cape Town in 1969, before he joined Greenock Morton.
41 ANDY TOMAN (Darlington 89-93, 115; Hartlepool 86-89, 112)
AN integral part of Darlos title winning sides in 1990 and 91, Quakers fans soon forgot where they signed him from after costing Brian Little s40,000 from rivals Hartlepool.
Ths energetic midfielders free-kick secured promotion back to the Football League in 1990 but also played for Bishop Auckland, Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor United.
42 SCOTT SELLARS (Newcastle 93-95, 75)
SLIGHT but blessed with close control and a divine left peg, Salty was one of the conductors of Keegans orchestra as it quickly became the Entertainers.
After a 3-0 win over Liverpool in which he created a brace for Andy Cole arguably the finest performance of his Magpies career, injuries plagued Sellars, forcing his eventual sale to Bolton Wanderers.
43 JULIO ARCA (Sunderland 00-06, 157; Boro 06-11, 129)
MANY people questioned Peter Reids decision to spend £3.5m on unknown Argentinean full-back Arca. They were soon silenced, as Reid saw more to his attacking game and deployed him as a winger.
Became a fans favourite due to his impeccable technique and jinking runs before a seven-year stay came to an end when he joined rivals Middlesbrough.
44 KEVIN NOLAN (Newcastle 09-11, 85)
RINGLEADER or rabble-rouser depending on your point of view, he wrote his name in Tyneside folklore last Halloween, scoring a hat-trick in that 5-1 win over Sunderland.
Played a major role in leading Newcastle straight back into the Premier League after relegation but his departure to West Ham recently caused consternation among the Toon Army.
45 STEWART DOWNING (Boro 01-09, 181; Sunderland (loan) 03, 7)
TAGGED by some, well yours truly, as flattering to deceive in his early career, the Pallister Park-born Academy product came of age on loan at Sunderland, his Boro career only truly taking off after his recall amid an injury crisis.
He helped the Teessiders win the Carling Cup in 2004 and fondly remembered largely for his crossing ability.
46 ALLAN JOHNSTON (Sunderland 97-00, 87; Boro 01-04, 17)
DUBBED Magic Johnston by Sunderland fans, the wing-wizard formed a formidable partnership with Michael Gray. Scored in the last league game at Roker Park.
A right-footed player, who played on the left, he mastered cutting in onto his strongest foot and scored some great goals.
Later had a rather forgettable three years at Middlesbrough.
47 GEORGE EASTHAM (Newcastle 56-60, 124)
THE original Bosman in a way. Boasting a healthy return of a goal every four games and later a non-playing member of Englands World Cup-winning squad, George went on strike after Newcastle refused to release him.
Took the club to the High Court in 1963 citing restraint of trade, which improved freedom for players moving between clubs. He then left for Arsenal.
48 MARC BRIDGE-WILKINSON (Carlisle 99 (loan) & 07-11, 97; Darlington 10 (loan) & 2011, 15)
A SET-PIECE magician, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has the ability to create something out of nothing. His keen eye for a defence-splitting pass saw him adored by the Carlisle faithful.
Injury lead to him falling out of favour and joined Darlington, netting a hat-trick in a mere 14 minutes against Eastbourne.
49 DAVID McLEAN (Darlington 79-86, 294; Newcastle 75-78, 9; Carlisle 78-79, 15)
SOME neat touches and being nifty in and around the box made McLean a key player for Darlington during his seven years at the club.
A promotion winner with Darlo in 1985, David will always be remembered for the goal he scored against Hereford.He also played for Newcastle, Carlisle and Whitley Bay.
50 ALEX RAE (Sunderland 96-01, 114)
NEVER far from trouble on and off the pitch, a fiery character who knew where the net was but also had to battle his demons off the pitch.
Despite a spell in rehab for alcoholism in 1998, Alex became a patron for the Sporting Chance clinic.
Signed by Peter Reid after promotion to the Premier League, he made an instant impact with his tough tackles and long-range shooting.
