10 Best Free Signings Ever Made By Newcastle United

8. Lee Clark

Clarkwas already a Newcastle stalwart when he rejoined the Club for a second time in 2005 after his contract expired following six successful years at Craven Cottage. Although signed onto the playing staff on a month-to-month contract, the Geordie midfielder's second coming at St James' Park was intended to be an introduction to coaching as he neared the end of his career.

But an injury crisis meant a 33-year-old Clark was forced to answer the desperate pleas of Graeme Souness and then Glenn Roeder to anchor the midfield as the treatment room swelled. He featured in 25 games that season and scored once, the second equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough which turned out to be his final goal as a professional. His experience was a vital tool for Souness and Roeder as was his unrelenting drive and leadership during period in which we regularly struggled for numbers.