Newcastle are regarded as one of the largest and most successful clubs in England, boasting a definitive black-and-white-striped kit, a fan base as large and militant as one could wish for and some of the greatest players of the Premier League era – particularly, Alan Shearer.
The Magpies, however, have often struggled to translate that vast support into silverware success, their last league title coming all the way back in 1927.
Kevin Keegan almost masterminded their way to the Premier League title during the mid-nineties, twice finishing second to Manchester United, but since then, the Magpies have been caught in the somewhat unromantic purgatory between the Championship and the Champions League.
Could it have all been so different however, if the Toon had found a little more luck in the transfer market? Plenty top class players have come through the doors of St. James’ Park over the years, but there’s a plethora of equal – or arguably superior – stars the Tyneside club were unfortunate enough to miss out on.
Would Newcastle be a European superpower by now if some of these FIVE had signed on the dotted line?