Newcastle haven’t won a major trophy since the 1950s and with Joe Kinnear’s current transfer policy, this long silverware-less spell seems likely to roll on. The latest tournament of sorts that the Magpies won was the now defunct, Intertoto Cup. The competition that was run until 2008, was a summer tournament for European clubs that had not qualified for the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) or the Champions League.
The format was a group and knockout, with 60 teams applying to participate. The 11 winning teams in the 3rd Round qualified for the Second Qualifying Round for the UEFA Cup. The clubs that then went furthest in the UEFA Cup the won the Intertoto Cup. Newcastle were the first to do so as they progressed to the Round of 16 in the 2006/07 season.
Newcastle faced Norwegian outfit, Lillestrøm in the Northern Region 3rd Round over two legs. The following side played in the second leg at the Araysen Stadion, winning 3-0. Arguably one of the better Newcastle teams of the modern age, but where are they now?
GK – Shay Given
Given was a key player for Newcastle, making crucial saves. Regarded a cult hero, the Irishman played 354 times for the Magpies and was named in the Premier League’s Team of the Season for 2006/07. Following seasons were blighted with horrendous injuries and with the club in turmoil, the player’s lawyer announced Given was “considering his future” and in January, Manchester City made a £5 million bid. The bid was rejected but Given subsequently to the Etihad Stadium for £8 million. Given played in 50 impressive appearances for City before falling behind Joe Hart in 2010. With Hart’s emergence, game time became limited and in 2011, Given moved to his present team, Aston Villa. Last season was a disappointing one as he lost his place to Brad Guzan. Given has recently been linked with moves away from Villa Park.
RB – Stephen Carr
The Irishman’s Newcastle career was badly affected by injuries and played only 78 times in 4 seasons. His injuries meant he fell behind Nolberto Solano in the competition for the right-back slot and he fell even further down the pecking order as Newcastle signed Habib Beye and Geremi. Carr was released in 2008 and was linked with moves to Aston Villa, West Ham, Everton, Wigan, Hertha Berlin, Bohemians and Genk. Following an unsuccessful trial at Leicester, Stephen Carr retired from international football. However Birmingham City tempted him out of retirement in 2009. Following 106 games, Carr announced his retirement again. He rejected approaches from Birmingham to become a coach as he and his family moved to Spain where Carr had business interests.
CB – Steven Taylor
Steven Taylor has remained at Newcastle his whole career. 2006/07 was considered his breakthrough season and has been a key member of the Magpies’ defensive line for many a year.
The Englishman has made 118 appearances, scoring 11 goals.
CB – Titus Bramble
The English centre back played 105 times for Newcastle before moving to Wigan Athletic on a free transfer in 2007. His 2008/09 performances earned him several accolades including ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ for Wigan.
Despite this success, Bramble signed for Sunderland in 2010, following Steve Bruce. Following 47 appearances, Bramble was released in 2013.
LB – Celestine Babayaro
Babayaro was signed for an undisclosed fee in 2005 from Chelsea. He quickly asserted himself as the first choice left back in the team. However his time at Newcastle was plagued by injury and in 2007, after 47 appearances, a mutual decision was reached to terminate his contract. In 2008 the Nigerian signed for LA Galaxy. Babayaro was shocked by the reality of the MLS. He had expected an American super-club but when faced with shabby accommodation including having to fly in the economy class and sharing a room whilst on the road, his commitment suffered. In 2010, Babayaro retired and a year later he was declared bankrupt.
CDM – Nolberto Solano
Nolberto ‘Nobby’ Solano was another fan favourite at Newcastle. The well-travelled Peruvian played 230 times for Newcastle over two spells, scoring 45 times. He became the first Peruvian to play in the Premier League when he signed for £2,480,000 in 1998. In 2004 he left for Aston Villa only to return to St James’ Park for £1.5 million in 2005 after rejecting approaches from Liverpool. With injuries to Stephen Carr, Solano played the majority of the 2006/07 season at right-back.
Shortly after signing a new contract, Solano requested to leave the Magpies to be closer to his family who had moved to London and in 2007 Solano moved to West Ham. He was released at the end of his contract in 2008 and signed for Greek club, Larissa, where he became the “biggest signing in the club’s history”. He then returned to Peru with Universitario de Deportes. In 2010 he was welcomed back to England as he signed for Leicester City.