Darren Huckerby was an unmitigated flop during his time at St. James' Park. Having jumped three divisions by signing for the Magpies from Lincoln City in 1995, Huckerby failed to settle at the club, finding first-team opportunities scarce. Making just one appearance for the club, he was farmed out on loan to Millwall, before a subsequent £1 million transfer to Coventry City at the end of the season, where he was never heard from in these parts again - that is, until he returned with a vengeance in August 2002. With Kevin Keegan not having fancied the 19 year old winger during their time together at St. James' Park, the two sparked up an instant rapport at Manchester City, with Huckerby bagging 20 goals for the Citizens in the First Division as they soared to promotion. When Champions League hopefuls Newcastle United visited the newly-promoted side in August 2002, they possibly weren't prepared for the script that had been written. With City shutting out the Tyneside club, and in particular the wasteful Kieron Dyer, through great saves from the big Dane Peter Schmeichel, the stage was set for Huckerby's divine intervention, stooping to nod home just before half-time for the only goal of the game. The header gave City their first Premiership victory upon their return to the top-flight and came as sweet relief for a player who was never given a chance at St. James' Park. It would be his only goal that season, but what an occasion to save it for.