10 Players You Didn't Know Were On Trial At Newcastle United

7. Justin Fashanu

The full story of Justin Fashanu isn't one that's going to be adequately told here. From his emergence as an apprentice at Norwich, to becoming the first £1million black footballer, then the first in his profession to be openly gay, before his tragic suicide at the age of 37, there have been scores written about both his own life and the impact it had on the sport. All we're concerned about here is the latter few weeks of October 1991. Having deteriorated as a player dramatically following him big money move to Brian Clough's Nottingham Forrest, Fashanu began a series of short lived stays at clubs further and further down the league structure. First came a move to Notts County, then spells at Brighton, West Ham and Manchester City, before jaunts to Los Angeles and Toronto, before finding himself on trial at Ossie Ardiles' Newcastle. Fashanu actually made it as far as a substitute appearance against Peterborough in the League Cup, but that was it. Within weeks of his arrival he was refused a professional contract at the club and moved on to Torquay United before finally hanging up his boots in America. Went on to: Spiral down the leagues before moving abroad, getting into coaching, and going out with Betty Lynch from Coronation Street. Not considered as good as: Micky Quinn, Andy Hunt, David Kelly.