Who have been Newcastle's best centre-backs?
- Published
Throughout Thursday, we will be revealing the centre-backs former Magpies legend Steve Howey considers to be the best over the club's past 50 years.
At number five, he chose Fabricio Coloccini, who became a stalwart for Newcastle during his eight seasons. Coloccini made nearly 275 appearances after signing for around £10 million from Deportivo la Coruna.
"A good footballer - a good defender," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle. "He could defend when he had to defend, but he was very good on the ball as well. Someone who wasn't very tall but good in the air."
In fourth, Howey chose Philippe Albert who made the leap to Newcastle in 1994 under the tutelage of Kevin Keegan and made 96 Premier League appearances, scoring eight goals, including that chip against Manchester United in 1996.
"Philippe was a very good footballer, probably not the most gifted defender, but a wonderful player," Howey said.
"He got that iconic goal against Manchester United, but as an all-around player who happened to play at the back, I am going with Phil.
"He had a wonderful left foot and was a great lad."
Come back later on Thursday to see the next two players on Howey's list.
