10 Players Newcastle Were Mad To Let Go

4. James Milner - Sold To Aston Villa For £12 Million (2008)

Newcastle United Appearances (2004-08): 139 Newcastle United Goals: 12 International Appearances for England (Goals): 53 (1) Clubs (Since Leaving NUFC): Aston Villa (2008-10), Manchester City (2010-15), Liverpool (2015-) Career Appearances (Since Leaving NUFC): 294 Career Goals (Since Leaving NUFC): 37

James Milner's loan spell at Aston Villa in 2005-06 vastly improved his game - but allowing him to leave for £12 million in 2008 was disastrous. Not only did it quicken Kevin Keegan's second departure as manager, Newcastle were also losing a player who had turned into one of their most-consistent performers over the previous two seasons - and they were relegated just nine months later. After impressing at Aston Villa, Manchester City paid a staggering £26 million to secure his services in 2010 - and he has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and an FA Community Shield since. Although he was not always a guaranteed starter at the Etihad, Milner was able to do a good job for Man City wherever he was played - in central-midfield, on the wing or even up front. Still only 29, Milner has just secured a free transfer to Liverpool and the 53-cap England international still has years left in him. Letting Milner leave proved a disaster in the short, medium and long term. The Magpies certainly regret selling him.