Newcastle United Players V to Z

Last updated : 18 February 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

1981/83 I Varadi 90/0 42
Imre was signed from Everton for £125,000 and added life to a suffering forward line. Born in Paddington, London, he started his league career at Sheff Utd. Had a great partnership with Kevin Keegan but it was said the pair never got on, which is said to be the reason why he was sold to Sheffield Wednesday.

1899/15 C.C.M.Veitch 321/0 49
Colin Campbell McKechnie Veith. Has the reputation of being "perhaps the greatest utility player the game has known". That is some statement. Won 6 England caps; three championships (1905, 1907, 1909) and one FA Cup (1910) as well as appearing in four other finals (1905, 1906, 1908, 1911).

1992/95 B.Venison 129/1 1
Barry was a colourful chap to say the least. Long blonde hair and a big hit with the ladies. Was the youngest ever captain of a League Cup final side when he took Sunderland to Wembley in 1985. Transfered to Liverpool where he won two Championships (1988, 1989) and one FA Cup (1989). Newcastle paid £250,000 for him and he made such an impact he won two caps for England. Moved to Turkey.

2002/5 H.Viana 18/33 4
Portuguese international, joined Newcastle for £8.5m when only 19. Usually plays on the left of midfield but says he prefers central midfield. Described by Bobby Robson: "He will become a legend". Sadly it wasn't with Newcastle. Went back to Sporting Lisbon on a season-long loan in 2004. And left the club in a ridiculous cut price deal in 2005.

1980/85 C.R.Waddle 190/1 52
Signed for Newcastle from Tow Law Town for a set of strips and £1,000. Was a sausage maker (how many times have we been reminded of it) who went on to play for England. Played his part in the Keegan era and was part of the exciting side that won promotion in 1984. Sold to Spurs in 1985 when Jack Charlton was manager, and it cost Charlton his job in many ways. Fabulous winger, despite looking as though he carried a bag of coal on his back.

1919/23 H.W.Wake 3/0 0
Henry didn't make a name at SJP, but went to Cardiff City for £200 and proved an honest, hard-working right-back. Played in the FA Cup final of 1925. Went to Mansfield Town 1931.

1991/91 A.F.Walker 3/0 0
Andy came on loan from Celtic. Looked lively enough but was injured in his second appearance and returned to Glasgow the same we he arrived ... crocked. We couldn't afford him at the time anyway. Played away at Millwall and home to Derby County.

1963/64 L.Walker 2/0 0
Len came from Spennymoor Utd for £250 but was a wing-half who was probably out of his depth in the higher leagues. But played more than 400 matches for Aldershot and went on to be manager of Darlington.

1977/82 N.S.Walker 69/5 3
Nigel was born in Gateshead and could be so skilful one match, and anonymous the next. A midfielder who could have been a superstar if only he was consistent. Joined San Diego in the US on a free transfer. Returned to the north-east to have trials with Sunderland but it didn't work out.

1941/54 T.J.Walker 204/0 38
Tommy was a superb right-winger who won two FA Cup winners medals with NUFC in 1951 and 1952. With Bobby Mitchell on the left, and Tommy on the right, Newcastle were a match for any defence. A broken arm kept him out of the promotion winning side of 1948. Joined Oldham for £2,500.

1890/95 J.Wallace 53/0 27
Joe was inside-left for both Newcastle East End and West End before the two clubs merged. Was part of the early years of Newcastle United. Retired in 1895.

1895/96 J.Warburton 3/0 0
John played left-back in the 1895/96 season, but only made three appearances for Newcastle. Amazingly all three were played within four days! Jan 1st, 2nd and 4th against Leicester (1-0); Lincoln (5-0) and Man City (2-5). Went on to play for local sides.

1920/22 E.Ward 25/0 5
Signed from Blyth Spartans, Ted was inside-right during the 1920/21 season, but couldn't get his place the following season and moved to Crystal Palace for £250. Later played for Darlington.

1894/96 W.A.Ward 21/0 0
Came from Loughborough Town as an inside-forward, but made all his appearances for Newcastle as goalkeeper! Was strong enough and had a good first season, but was put on the back burner when the club signed John Henderson from Clyde.

1895/00 W.Wardrope 145/0 52
Played for Motherwell before joining Newcastle, Willie was a goalscorer that set records that still stand today. Didn't cost a penny but was the best inside-forward of his day. Went on a run of nine consecutive games when he scored 13 goals. Les Ferdinand went eight, but failed to score against Spurs to equal it. Joined Middlesbrough then went to Third Lanark, Fulham, Swindon and finally Hamilton.

1935/37 H.Ware 49/0 9
Harry was a utility player who would play anywhere. Came from Stoke City for £2,400, where he won a Second Division championship medal, then after two seasons at SJP moved on to Sheff Wed for £1,700. Was injured in the war and became coach at many clubs including Port Vale and Stoke.

1962/63 G.Watkin 1/0 0
George was part of the Newcastle Youth Cup winning team of 1962 playing centre-forward, but only had one game for the first team (v Bury) before going to Kings Lynn.

1902/03 J.Watson 3/0 0
John was a right-back signed from Clyde for £200, but never made the grade at SJP. Went to Brentford on a free transfer, then to Leeds City.

1990/93 J.I.Watson 0/1 0
Youngster who never made the grade, despite looking decent in the reserves. John was born in South Shields, and his one game was when he came on as substitute for Robbie Elliott in the last game of the 1990/91 season against Hull City.

1989/98 S.C.Watson 216/42 14
Steve became the youngest ever player to play for Newcastle in November 1990 when he played against Wolves as substitute for Liam O'Brien. Popular player who was shocked when Ruud Gullit sold him to Aston Villa in 1998. Was famous for a while for his Mexican-style throw-in that he used only twice (v Boro and Hull). Great utility player who could play anywhere. Scored a cracking goal at Anfield in the League Cup against Liverpool.

1896/06 C.Watts 101/0 0
Some character was Charlie. Well regarded goalkeeper who was said to be able to punch the ball as far as some players could kick the ball. Was a gambler who won - and lost- three fortunes on the horses.

1952/56 K.Waugh 7/0 0
Local lad, born in Newcastle, he was drafted in to cover for the injured Bobby Cowell. A solid right-back but Kenny was out of the side as soon as Cowell recovered. Went to Hartlepools Utd for £680 then emigrated to Australia.

1908/12 R.Waugh 11/0 1
Bob was a right-back who thought more of his trade as an engineer than a future as a footballer. Stood in when required at right-back. Went to Derby to work and signed for Derby County for £100.

1941/47 C.Wayman 53/0 36
A consistent goalscorer all his career, Charlie hit over 250 goals before retiring because of injury in April 1958. Born in Bishop Auckland, he signed from Spennymoor Utd during the war years. Was dropped for the FA Cup semi-final against Charlton Athletic in 1947, one of the most disputed decisions in NUFC history, and Newcastle lost 0-4. He moved to Southampton that same year for £10,000. Went to Preston North End and in 1954 scored in every round of the FA Cup including the final. Moved to Middlesbrough then Darlington. Sadly died in 2006.

1929/36 S.Weaver 229/0 43
Sam came from Hull City for £2,500 and went on to play for England. Agressive, polished left-half who was said to have the longest throw-in in the game. Helped United win the FA Cup in 1932 then went on to captain the side. Joined Chelsea in 1936 for £4,166. Became a coach at Leeds Utd, Millwall, then manager of Mansfield.

1978/89 K.Wharton 303/24 27
Midfielder, winger or left-back, Kenny had a long and distinguished career at SJP and even earned a testimonial. Known as 'Bones', he played his part during Keegan's promotion era of 1984. Made his debut against West Ham in March 1979 and his last game was against Millwall in May 1989.

1896/98 J.White 53/0 1
John was born in Galston near Kilmarnock, and after a spell with Killie, St Mirren and Clyde he arrived on Tyneside as a classy left-back and helped Newcastle win promotion in 1898.

1953/62 L.R.White 269/0 153
Having helped ruin Newcastle's great run of FA Cup run of winning two cups on the trot, then being part of the Rotherham side that eventually stopped a third victory ... he joined Newcastle. Was a winger at first then took over Jackie Milburn's number nine shirt in 1957. Superb player who was very popular with the crowd. Cost United £12,500 then went to Huddersfield Town in an exchange deal for Jimmy Kerray.

1954/62 R.Whitehead 20/0 0
Born in Ashington, Bob was a very patient full-back who spent most of his time in United's reserve side. Found it very hard to get into the team because of the great form of McMichael and Keith. Had a spell with Cambridge on loan, then went to Darlington for £600.

1985/86 W.Whitehurst 30/1 7
Billy came from Hull City as a big and powerful centre forward and was as numb as nuts. Certainly put himself about (on and off the pitch) and had trouble in a night-club concerning a young lady. He went to Oxford United afterwards he was accused of smashing up an aeroplane(!) after a promotion party with Sheff Utd.

1905/19 T.T.Whitson 145/0 0
Tony was born in Capetown, South Africa, and was apparently "a grand little left-back, very fast and rarely at fault". Born of Geordie parents, he was brought up in Walker. Was part of the championship winning side of 1909 and was an FA Cup finalist in 1910 and 1911. Was very unlucky to miss the 1910 replayed final because of injury. Joined Carlisle after the Great War.

1892/93 D.Whitton 11/0 0
Dave was the goalkeeper who played in Utd's very first game under the name Newcastle United, an FA Cup tie against Boro Ironopolis. But despite playing for Newcastle East and West Ends, and with NUFC in the Northern League, he never played League football.

1930/32 J.Wikinson 32/0 7
Jack was a little winger who was just over 9st. Known as 'Ginger', he was signed from Sheff Wed for £3,000. He joined Lincoln for £600 then went to Sunderland.

1927/29 J.M.Wilkinson 27/0 11
Jonathan, or 'Monte' as he was known, was a centre-forward who scored over 100 goals in one season in Junior soccer, but spent most of his career as understudy to the two greatest strikers of the era ... Hughie Gallacher and Dixie Dean. Newcastle paid Crook Town £250 for him, then he moved to Everton for £675. Later played for Blackpool and Charlton Athletic.

1933/35 R.Williams 36/0 14
Centre-forward signed from Swansea Town for £1,500. He was playing football for Utd's third team when he was capped by Wales. Played against works team Reyrolle's, then Ron lined up for Wales against England the next day. Went to Chester for £800 then back to Swansea.

1907/13 D.L.Willis 107/0 4
David was a wing-half born in Byker, but Newcastle signed him from Sunderland for £100. Spent most of his time as understudy to Peter McWilliam. Signed for Reading just before the Great War.

1893/95 R.Willis 36/0 19
Bob was an inside right who played a big part in Newcastle's first two season in league football. Scored on his debut at Small Heath in a 4-1 win and a remarkable goal record scoring every two games.

1903/06 T.Wills 19/0 0
Tom was a left-back who was signed from Ayr Utd. Born in Kilmarnock, he was a star in the Scottish Junior leagues when Newcastle spotted him. Went to Crystal Palace then Carlisle, before emigrating to Johannesburg, South Africa but died shortly afterwards.

1958/59 C.A.Wilson 1/0 0
Born in Lanchester, Carl only played one game. He played centre-forward against Blackpool then went to Gateshead for £410. Eventually played for Doncaster Rovers and Millwall before turning out in the leagues of Germany and Holland.

1907/19 G.W.Wilson 217/0 33
George had a remarkable career as a left winger. Newcastle bought him from Everton for £1,600 and he was already a Scottish international. Won a Scottish cup winners medal with Hearts in 1906 and one with Newcastle in 1910. Was Newcastle's most expensive player at the time. Known as 'Smiler' because ... he never smiled. Was part of the 1909 championship winning side. Scored two goals on his debut against Liverpool at Anfield. Went to Raith Rovers for £250, then East Fife and Albion Rovers. Managed Raith then emigrated to Vancouver in Canada where he died 1960.

1959/62 J.Wilson 13/0 2
Jim was a left winger who was signed from Bon Accord (£750) and made a great start at SJP but lost form and was sold to Morton for £1,500. Was a great success in Scotland playing for Aberdeen, Motherwell, Dundee and Falkirk. Made one Scottish League appearance and was a Scottish Cup finalist with Morton.

1933/36 J.A.Wilson 30/0 5
Joe made his debut against Hull on Christmas Day in 1934 as an inside right and scored in a 6-2 win. Didn't find himself a regular and went to Brighton for £450.

1912/14 J.H.Wilson 4/0 0
Born in Newcastle, Jim was an amateur goalkeeper who filled in for the great James Lawrence. Went to North Shields.

1919/20 J.T.Wilson 7/0 2
Jack was a tidy centre-forward who wasn't given much of a chance at SJP. Moved from striker to left-half after he left Newcastle and (after Stockport) ended up as captain of Manchester United. Said to be a hard as nails ball-winner.

1927/30 J.W.Wilson 1/0 0
Joe was born in Butsfield near Tow Law and only played one game for the Toon (v Aston Villa (H) 2-2). A strong centre-half, he went on to play for Southend (£500), Brentford, Reading and Barnsley.

1992/92 T.Wilson 2/0 0
Came on loan from Nottingham Forest. A midfielder who had no intention of signing for Newcastle and boy did it show. Played in Ardiles' last game, and Keegan's first.

1925/29 W.Wilson 134/0 0
Edinburgh-born Willie was the goalkeeper during Newcastle's last Championship win in 1927. Big and strong, although not exactly tall at 5ft 10", he was superb during that season. Cost £600 from Peebles Rovers, sold to Millwall for £700. Was very superstitious and always went onto the pitch second last.

1900/03 W.Wilson 4/0 0
Tyneside-born, William was a half-back who was signed from South Shields. All his four games game in a three-week spell over Christmas/New Year 1902/3 against Bury (0-1); Blackburn (1-0); Sunderland (0-0) and Stoke (0-5). Sold to Bradford City.

1960/62 W.S.Wilson 3/0 0
Right-half who was born in Peebles and signed from Walkerburn Juniors. Bill only made three appearances, including the League Cup tie against Sheffield United that we lost 1-3 in 1961.

1964/69 G.Winstanley 7/2 0
Graham was at the club a long time but only made a handful of appearances despite showing loads of promise. Centre-half, born in Croxdale County Durham, he moved on to Carlisle where he was a bit of a cult hero. Later played for Brighton.

1979/83 C.Withe 2/0 0
Chris was the brother of Peter Withe, and that was just about his claim to fame. Left-back who wasn't as physical as his brother, and certainly not as skilful. Only played two games, v Shrewsbury (1-0) and Chelsea (0-6). Given a free transfer.

1978/80 P.Withe 83/0 27
Travelled just about everywhere in the world where they played football ... well, almost. Born in Liverpool he joined Southport, Barrow, Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Arcadia Shepherds (South Africa), Wolves, Birmingham City, Portland (USA), Nottingham Forest then Newcastle for £200,000. Tyneside fans loved him, but it was obvious his services were better put to use in the First Division rather than with the Toon in the Second. West to Aston Villa for £500,000. Capped by England after he left SJP and won Championship medals with two different clubs, then the European Cup.

1928/30 E.E.Wood 9/0 0
Eddie was born in Rhyl in North Wales and signed for Newcastle from Rhyl (after playing with Northampton and Birmingham City) £750. 6ft centre-half who was understudy to the great Jack Hills.
1935/48 J.Woodburn 47/0 4
Jimmy was left-half who, like so many others, saw his career ruined by the war. Signed from Coltness Utd for £100. Born in Rutherglen in Glasgow and moved on to Gateshead as player-coach.

2002/2004 J.Woodgate 37/0 0
Big money signing from Leeds Utd £9m. Central defender capped by England at full level, and tipped to be the next captain of Newcastle. Had his problems at Leeds with a court case that threatened to ruin his career. Middlesbrough-born. But injury ruined his Newcastle career just as it did at Leeds, and amazingly Real Madrid signed him for £13m ... and he passed his medical! Will long be remembered, like Tony Green, as player who COULD have been the greatest.

1959/62 C.M.P.Woods 30/0 10
Charles Morgan Parkinson Woods was groomed to replace George Eastham by manager Charlie Mitten but it didn't really work out. Born in Whitehaven, he only cost NUFC £25 from Cleator Moor Celtic. Went to Bournemouth for £5,000 then on to Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Watford, Colchester and Blackburn.

1922/23 H.Woods 16/0 2
Harry joined NUFC from South Shields £2,600) after playing for Norwich City. Inside-right born in St Helens, he moved to Arsenal £750 then finished his career at Luton Town.

1952/56 A.J.Woollard 10/0 0
Born in Pembroke in Bermuda, he moved to England in 1949 when he signed for Northampton Town. Right-back who went to Peterborough after the Cobblers then on to Newcastle for £5,000. Never found a regular place in the side because of the great form of Bobby Cowell. Went to Bournemouth for £2,000 then back to Northampton. Returned to Bermuda after helping Northampton win the 3rd Division championship.

1956/63 B.G.Wright 47/0 1
Brian was born in Sunderland. Tall half-back who was said to be "rosy faced and a strong industrious player". Signed for Portsmouth in a £7,500 deal and he made over 300 appearances for them.

1938/48 J.D.Wright 82/0 1
Born in Southend, Doug came from Southend Utd for £3,250 just before the war. Was said by many to be the best wing-half in the country at the time. Capped for England just before war broke out. Went to Lincoln for £600 in 1948. Missed out on Newcastle's promotion in 1948 because of injury.

*1988/93 1999/00 T.J.Wright 85/1 0
Tommy "The Barman" (he was barman in Belfast before joining Newcastle) was signed from Linfield for £300,000 and was an established Northern Ireland international. Spent a period on loan at Hull City. A goalkeeper who was well respected at Newcastle before moving on. Came back on loan during Ruud Gullit's ill-fated reign, filling in when United went through a goalkeeping crisis.

1958/59 W.J.Wright 5/0 3
Born in Blackpool where he played for his home-town club and was understudy to Stanley Matthews. A job in itself, considering Matthews didn't retire until he was well into his 50s. Moved to Leicester City then Newcastle for £7,500. A fast winger but was always injured at SJP. Went to Plymouth for £5,150, then to Hull City where he never played a game. Millwall took him after that.

1985/87 J.G.Wrightson 3/1 0
Came through Newcastle Juniors and had a spell of three games over Christmas/New Year 1986/87 against Everton (0-4), Watford (0-1) and Coventry City (1-2). Right-sided midfielder who moved to Preston North End.

1964/73 D.Young 50/3 2
Wing-half born in Newcastle, David was a reserve who never really made his mark in the side. He had a few games when Newcastle ventured into Europe. Went to Sunderland for £20,000 in their FA Cup winning year. Later signed for Charlton Athletic and Southend.