In the last few years, under the guidance of the Saudi PIF, Newcastle United have edged closer to the glory days that past generations would have remembered.
Previous owner Mike Ashley came into the club back in 2007, with little success, as the club even suffered two relegations back to the Championship during his ownership of the Magpies.
However, after 14 years at the helm, he stepped away from the club allowing for a huge investment into the playing squad which allowed the club to finally compete in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
High profile stars such as Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier have led the charge towards European football, a vast contrast from the previous players plying their trade at St James’ Park.
However, the club have previously employed figures who have made a huge impact on Tyneside, with one player in particular impressing with his phenomenal goal record during his time at Newcastle.
Les Ferdinand’s stats at Newcastle United
After joining the Magpies for a fee in the region of £6m during the summer of 1995, striker Les Ferdinand was brought into the club to provide an added attacking threat in the final third.
Following a season where he scored 24 times for QPR in the Premier League, the striker had high hopes of adding firepower to Kevin Keegan’s impressive side.
It’s safe to say he lived up to those expectations, scoring 25 times during his first campaign on Tyneside, as the Magpies came within touching distance of winning the Premier League title, despite having a 12-point cushion over Manchester United at one stage.
The 1996/97 season saw Ferdinand form an excellent partnership with iconic striker Alan Shearer, scoring another 16 times in the league, but once again it wasn’t enough to lead the club to the title, as they finished runners-up for the second consecutive year.
Ferdinand’s stats at Newcastle in the PL | ||
---|---|---|
Statistics | 1995/96 | 1996/97 |
Games | 37 | 31 |
Goals | 25 | 16 |
Assists | 6 | 9 |
Minutes played | 3,322′ | 2,529′ |
Stats via Transfermarkt |
Leave a Reply