Newcastle United: 2010-13 League Appearances: 65 League Goals: 1 A cult hero who was dubbed "Perchinho" by the Toon faithful, James Perch was an industrious midfielder during his time on Tyneside, but he played a vital role when Newcastle needed him most. Having endured a disastrous start to his Newcastle career following a £1 million move from Nottingham Forest in July 2010 - he became the first player ever to be booked during his first five Premier League matches - Perch was lambasted by Magpies supporters. However, during the following two seasons, Perch became an important member of the Newcastle side - and even made 25 league appearances during the 2011-12 campaign, when the Magpies finished in fifth. An industrious operator in defensive-midfield - it was when playing in the back four that Perch would really struggle - he did the dirty work that some players are simply unprepared to do. What's more, his goal at Manchester United on Boxing Day in 2012 almost saw the Magpies snatch a famous win at Old Trafford - but instead they went down heroically, 4-3.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
