Product Description

Newcastle United is a colourful football club at the very heart of the city's community, and one with a rich history and tradition. One position has become synonymous with the Black 'n' Whites and their famous striped shirts - the centre-forward, the No. 9 hero, the man who wears the 'Shirt of Legends'. Since the club's earliest days, the rapport between Newcastle's fervent supporters and United's centre-forward has been one of the great tales of soccer: one full of incident, controversy and fabulous goalscoring feats. Much rests on the shoulders of the club's centre-forward. He carries the dreams of thousands and the hopes of a whole Geordie nation. Featured here are all the great names from Peddie, Appleyard and Shepherd, to Wee Hughie Gallacher and the 'Smiling Assassin', Albert Stubbins. Then it's onwards with 'Wor' Jackie Milburn - a legend in himself - Len White, the mighty Wyn Davies and a brash cockney, Malcolm Macdonald - 'Supermac' to all. Also included are modern-day icons Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer - perhaps the biggest No. 9 hero of them all. They have been a mixed bunch: some tall, lean and fast; some small, tricky and highly skilled. Others have been graceful, a few have roved along the forward line, while there have been robust, aggressive characters on view too. Some have been masterful in the air, while several struck the ball with terrific power; others have possessed the art of placement and, a few, the ultimate poacher's instinct in front of goal. But all have had the same mission: to score goals - and, whatever their style, if they donned the centre-forward shirt for Newcastle United, they have been treated as gods. Shirt of Legends is about all of those players - the many different characters and personalities in the centre-forward role who have worn Newcastle United's No. 9 shirt. It is a story now part of Tyneside folklore.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29256 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

About the Author
Having followed the roller-coaster fortunes of Newcastle United for more than 40 years, Paul Joannou is recognised as the club's official historian. He has compiled a thorough library of well-received titles on the Magpies, including Newcastle United: A Complete Record, The Black 'n' White Alphabet: A Complete Who's Who of Newcastle United F.C., Fortress St James: The Official Story of Newcastle United's Stadium and United: The First 100 Years... and More.

Customer Reviews

haway the lads
This book is an insightful and enjoyable look at great Newcastle centre-forwards past and present. Paul Joannou understands the passion for the beautiful game in the North-East and it comes across in his writing. It also features a foreword from the greatest Newcastle No. 9 of all time - Big Alan Shearer. A must for fans of the Toon and football alike!