Newcastle United signed Ian Rush for the 1997/98 season and, despite only spending one campaign on Tyneside, the striker insists he enjoyed his stay
Newcastle United fans are “very passionate” just like Liverpool supporters - despite having gone nearly half-a-century without a major trophy, believes Ian Rush.
The Magpies have failed to lift major silverware since 1969, when Bob Moncur captained United to the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
But Rush, who scored twice during a one-season spell at St James’ Park in 1997/98, was taken aback by how committed the supporters are - particularly given how little they have had to celebrate.
Asked about what he thought of his time on Tyneside during an interview with BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough, Rush replied: “I enjoyed it. I knew when Kenny signed me that Shearer was injured and was out for the season, they’d just got to the Champions League, so Kenny was looking for experience.
“I went to Newcastle for a year and I really, really enjoyed it.
“The supporters there were just like Liverpool supporters: very passionate and everything.
“I made my debut against Aston Villa, it was a sell-out, I played really well for 80 minutes, and what I enjoyed about that was that when I went off, I was given a round of applause by the crowd because they knew I was giving 100 per cent.”
Liverpool legend Rush joined Newcastle during Kenny Dalglish’s time in charge and helped the Magpies reach the FA Cup final in 1998.
And, despite only spending a season at St James’ Park, Rush insists he is “happy” he was given the opportunity to play for the club.
“From that point of view I really enjoyed my time there and at least I can be happy and say I did play for Newcastle United and I think the supporters there were fantastic,” the 55-year-old added.
“For a club that hasn’t won as much as maybe should have done, a big club which should have won more, we got to the [Cup] final when I was there and lost to Arsenal.
“But at the end of the day they’re very passionate fans like at Liverpool.”