10 Players Newcastle Were Mad To Let Go

9. Gary Speed - Sold To Bolton Wanderers For £750,000 (2004)

Newcastle United Appearances (1998-2004): 285 Newcastle United Goals: 40 International Appearances for Wales (Goals): 85 (7) Clubs (Since Leaving NUFC): Bolton Wanderers (2004-08), Sheffield United (2008-10) Career Appearances (Since Leaving NUFC): 179 Career Goals (Since Leaving NUFC): 20

When Newcastle managed to snap up Gary Speed from Everton for £5.5 million in February 1998 it was seen as a massive coup for Kenny Dalglish - and the Welsh midfielder went on to become an all-time Magpies great. Contributing 40 goals from 285 appearances between 1998 and 2004, Speed was a key member of Sir Bobby Robson's top-four (and Champions League) side. Brilliant on the ball, good at breaking up play and a player with beautiful technique, Speed formed part of an exciting midfield alongside Nolberto Solano, Laurent Robert and Kieron Dyer. However, against Robson's wishes, Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd accepted an offer of £750,000 from Bolton Wanderers to allow 35-year-old Speed to move to Bolton Wanderers. During four years in Lancashire, Speed proved he was still a class performer and a leader of the Bolton side. Once Shearer retired, Newcastle were sorely lacking voices in the dressing room - which Speed could have provided. The late, great Gary Speed will always be remembered fondly for his contribution to Newcastle United - and rightly so. But he should have been at St James' Park for even longer than he was.