The 10 Best Newcastle Left-Backs of All-Time
- Think Football Ideas
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Having witnessed the sweep of black and white across generations, there’s a kind of reverence for the men who patrolled the left flank at St James’ Park. They weren’t always the flashiest, nor the headline-makers, but they carried a quiet burden — graft, discipline, and duty.
Some battled through the mud-heavy pitches of the early 20th century, others thrived on the slick, television-bright Premier League turf. Yet, all of them shared a common devotion to the badge and the left-back position at Newcastle United, leaving the deepest prints in that left channel.
Below Are The 10 Best Newcastle Left-Backs of All-Time
10. José Enrique (2007–2011)
Appearances: 119
Goals: 1
There was a power to José Enrique’s game — not showy, but unmistakably solid. The Spaniard joined Newcastle United from Villarreal in 2007 for £6.3 million, during the early days of Mike Ashley’s reign. Enrique was one of the few bright spots in a side heading for relegation.
He stayed through relegation, bossed the Championship, and returned to the Premier League as one of the club’s most consistent performers. Strong in the tackle, deceptive on the ball, and with a surprising engine, he gave fans rare stability in a chaotic era. His defensive work was as reliable as his occasional bursts down the left flank, marking a bright period in an otherwise dark chapter for the club.
9. Olivier Bernard (2007–2011)
Appearances: 102
Goals: 6
Olivier Bernard’s rise as one of Newcastle United’s finest left-backs is a story of adaptability, heart, and raw talent. He arrived in 2000 as a quick-footed 20-year-old forward from France, dreaming of the No. 9 shirt — only to find it firmly in Alan Shearer’s grasp. Bernard told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I was a forward player when I first came to Newcastle. I wanted the number nine shirt, but obviously I got denied by Alan!
Under Sir Bobby Robson’s guidance, Bernard embraced a bold switch to left-back, a position he had never played. What began as a stopgap became his true calling. Learning fast, he evolved into a modern, attacking full-back, linking brilliantly with Laurent Robert on the left flank.
With pace, power, and fearless energy, Bernard helped drive a young, thrilling side to top-five finishes and memorable European nights. It wasn’t the role he expected — but it’s where he made his mark, redefining what it meant to wear black and white at left-back.
8. Alan Kennedy (1972–1978)
Appearances: 158
Goals: 9
Before his European glory nights with Liverpool, Alan Kennedy cut his teeth in Tyneside grit. There was a bite to his game, a boldness — the kind that made him stand out even in difficult Newcastle sides.
His runs were fearless, his shot powerful. He was a left-back who could hurt you going forward, and he carried the weight of the shirt long before trophies ever came. The memories of his marauding sprints still flicker in the minds of those who saw him young, raw, and fearless.
His brief but meaningful time at Newcastle set the stage for the more illustrious career that would follow, but it’s his spirit in black and white that earns him a place on this list.
7. Robbie Elliott (1991–1997, 2001–2006)
Appearances: 129
Goals: 10
Robbie Elliott never asked for a spotlight — he just turned up and did the job. Twice. A local lad, Elliott’s two spells with Newcastle tell a story of loyalty and professionalism. In the thrilling mid-90s era under Keegan, he was part of a side that played the most daring football in the land.
During his second spell, he was the veteran presence, steady when others wobbled. He was not the most gifted, but few were more dependable in black and white.
He wore the Magpies shirt with pride, and though he wasn't always in the spotlight, his consistent contributions were key to the team’s success, both in defence and as a reliable option going forward.
6. Alf McMichael (1950–1963)
Appearances: 433
Goals: 1
Belfast-born, McMichael came to Newcastle and stayed for over a decade. Elegant and understated, he captained the club and lifted the FA Cup in 1955. He played in an era of heavy boots and heavier tackles but stood out for his composure and intelligence.
To older fans, he remains the archetype — a left-back who didn’t just stop attacks, but shaped the tempo of a game from deep. He was a true servant of the club in every sense. His leadership and calm under pressure made him a central figure in Newcastle’s post-war revival, earning him the adoration of fans who saw him as more than a defender — he was a cornerstone.
5. George Dalton (1958–1967)
Appearances: 85
Goals: 2
There’s a tinge of melancholy to George Dalton’s story — a career derailed by injury, just when it was flowering. But in his prime, he was fierce. A tackler with venom, yet also capable of poise on the ball, Dalton was on the cusp of greatness when a broken leg cut him down. Still, his influence in those pre-promotion years lingers in the folklore.
Some say he could’ve been one of the best. The fact that we still wonder tells you how good he was. His impact in a short time at Newcastle was immense, and had he been able to play on, he may have rewritten the club’s history.
4. John Beresford (1992–1998)
Appearances: 232
Goals: 8
Beresford had verve. In the razzle-dazzle of Keegan’s Entertainers, his overlaps became a trademark. Always bombing on, always asking questions of defenders. His footballing brain was sharp, and his touch elegant.
He was part of something exhilarating — a time when Newcastle danced at the edge of greatness — and his contribution was etched into that spellbinding narrative. Beresford’s ability to balance defence and attack made him the perfect full-back for the vibrant and attacking style of football that Keegan nurtured.
3. David Fairhurst (1929–1946)
Appearances: 285
Goals: 2
A figure of wartime resilience, Fairhurst was as rugged as they come. Playing across two decades scarred by global conflict, he was part of England’s 1938 squad and a linchpin for Newcastle. Rarely ruffled, he brought stability to a side finding its way in difficult years.
His commitment to the Toon Army and country marked him out, and while records from his era are sparse, the respect he commanded has endured. His leadership and defensive prowess were a constant for Newcastle during challenging years, and despite the tumult of war, his influence never wavered.
2. Frank Clark (1962–1975)
Appearances: 464
Goals: 2
Frank Clark was Newcastle through and through — quiet, reliable, and always there. Signed from Crook Town in 1962, the County Durham-born left-back became a mainstay, helping the club win the Second Division in 1965 and making over 450 appearances.
In 1969, he played a key role in the club’s Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph, their first taste of European glory. He was never flashy, but his calm presence and consistency gave the team its spine.
In 1974, he helped the Magpies reach the FA Cup final before departing for Nottingham Forest, where he’d win the league and European Cup. Clark didn’t chase the spotlight — he earned respect the hard way. A local lad who built his legacy brick by brick, he's still held in high regard as one of the club’s great unsung heroes.
1. Frank Hudspeth (1910–1929)
Appearances: 472
Goals: 37
If black-and-white stripes had a soul, Frank Hudspeth might be it. Nearly two decades in the shirt. Over 470 appearances. And a cannon of a penalty kick. Known as “Old Surefoot,” he led, defended, and occasionally scored with terrifying precision.
Through wars and rebuilding, Hudspeth stood sentinel at left-back. He was Newcastle's heartbeat, captain for years, and a man who defined loyalty before it became a marketing buzzword. No frills, no flash — just ferocity, commitment, and the weight of legacy. His time at the club transcended the game itself, making him a true Newcastle legend.
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