Newcastle United’s top 10 defenders of all time, ranked.
Throughout their history, Newcastle United have had some calamitous moments at the back. However, there have also been titans of defending donning the famous black and white stripes.
The Magpies have had some defensive warriors during their history, and that continues to be the case with Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw at the back for Eddie Howe’s side.
They should eventually make this list, but for now here are the 10 best defenders that Newcastle United have ever had.
10 – Warren Barton
When Newcastle United signed Warren Barton for £4million, he became the most expensive defender in English football.
It quickly proved to be money well spent, with Barton’s attacking exploits down the right perfectly suiting Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers.
He made 219 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle United, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title in 1996.
9 – Fabian Schar
Someone who cost even less money was Fabian Schar, in an era where defenders are costing north of £50million.
Schar was one of Newcastle’s best bargains ever, brought to St James’ Park by Rafa Benitez for just £3million.
He has played his best football for the Magpies under Eddie Howe, reading the game beautifully despite a lack of pace. He is also a wizard on the ball, with Howe blown away by Schar’s passing.
Schar is a unique centre-back, and he is not bad to look at either…
8 – John Beresford
While Warren Barton was marauding down the right for Keegan’s side, it was John Beresford doing the same job on the opposite flank.
The left-back made 229 appearances for Newcastle United, combining with David Ginola during an incredibly exciting era for the club.
Beresford was also part of the Newcastle United squad that won promotion to the top flight in 1993, playing a key role in Keegan turning the club around.
7 – Brian Kilcline
What Kevin Keegan achieved at St James’ Park might not have been possible had he not bought Brian Kilcline.
Affectionately known as ‘Killer’ following his arrival in 1992, Keegan quickly handed Kilcline the captaincy. He led by example at the heart of the Toon defence, helping save the club from bankruptcy as they avoided relegation to the third tier.
Kilcline did not play a lot for Newcastle United compared to others on this list, but his impact was seismic.
6 – Fabricio Coloccini
Another Newcastle United captain, Fabricio Coloccini truly was a Rolls Royce of a defender during his time on Tyneside.
He easily could have left following relegation to the Championship, but that year in the second tier was actually the making of Coloccini as a Toon player. He toughened up, becoming a colossal figure.
While fans always sang about wanting curly hair just like him, it was his leadership at the back that made him stand out. His Newcastle United career ended on a sour note, but that should not detract from an outstanding eight years with the club during the difficult Mike Ashley era.
5 – Kieran Trippier
As the first signing after the PIF takeover, a lot of pressure was put on Kieran Trippier’s shoulders. However, it was his arrival that galvanised a club that appeared destined for relegation.
Trippier became Newcastle United’s standard bearer, almost acting as a second manager on the pitch for Eddie Howe.
The right-back has been immense for the Magpies, and shows no signs of age catching up with him at 35. He is not one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings under PIF, but he is arguably the best.
4 – Dan Burn
Another contender for that title is Dan Burn, who joined Newcastle United shortly after Trippier for £13million.
There was not much fanfare following his arrival, but what an inspired decision it was to bring him home. Eddie Howe thinks Burn is one of his best signings, and it is difficult to argue with that.
Whether it has been at centre-back or left-back, Burn is living out every Geordie’s dream right now. He is getting better with age, and that goal in the Carabao Cup final win means he will never have to buy a drink on Tyneside ever again.
3 – Jonathan Woodgate
Despite spending just a season and a half at St James’ Park, Jonathan Woodgate has to be considered one of the best centre-backs that Newcastle United have ever seen.
He quickly established himself as a fan favourite after arriving from Leeds United, with his composure and class at the back making him unlike any other Toon defender at the time.
Injuries limited his appearances for the club, but the fact that Real Madrid bought him from the Magpies speaks volumes.
2 – Bob Moncur
When you talk about leaders at the back for Newcastle United, you cannot look much further than Bob Moncur.
He made almost 300 appearances for the club, with Moncur joining the Magpies as an apprentice in 1960 before joining Sunderland in 1974.
Moncur is arguably Newcastle’s greatest ever captain, leading them to Fairs Cup glory in 1969. He played a key role in the Magpies securing silverware under Joe Harvey, with all three of his Toon goals coming in the two-legged final against Ujpesti Dosza.
1 – Philippe Albert
With that moustache and his ridiculous ability on the ball, Philippe Albert would not look out of place in the modern game.
The Belgian centre-back was idolised during his time at St James’ Park, with his desire to play on the front foot earning him cult hero status.
That was epitomised by the most famous goal in one of Newcastle’s best ever wins, with Albert audaciously chipping Peter Schmeichel during a 5-0 victory over Manchester United in 1996.
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