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 character has become synonymous with the Black 'n' Whites and their famous striped shirts - the centre-forward, the No. 9 hero, the man who has pulled on the 'Shirt of Legends'. Since the club's earliest days, the rapport between Newcastle's fervent Geordie 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 United's centre-forward. He carries the dreams of thousands and the hopes of a whole Geordie nation. From Peddie, Appleyard and Shepherd to Wee Hughie Gallacher and the 'Smiling Assassin', Albert Stubbins. Onwards with 'Wor' Jackie Milburn - a legend in himself - Len White, the mighty Wyn Davies and a brash cockney, Malcolm Macdonald - 'Supermac' to all. And including 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 fo

Author Biography

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 A Complete Record, The Black 'n' White Alphabet, Fortress St James and the club's masterful centenary history United- The First 100 Years & More.