10 Players Who Didn't Fulfil Their Potential At Newcastle
7. Kieron Dyer
Kieron Dyer was one of two who came through Ipswichs youth system on this list. Ruud Gullits only English signing during his time on Tyneside, Dyer was signed from Ipswich in 1999 for £6m, which seemed like a fantastic deal at the time; as Dyer was lighting up what was Division One back then. But what followed he could not predict: after signing for a Premier League side, the money and fame went to Dyers head, and as a 21 year old who was now earning a huge wage. He made his debut and scored in the Tyne-Wear derby, in a controversial match that saw manager Gullit leave out club captain and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, and Gullit resigned soon after the 2-1 loss and Robson took charge for the majority of Dyers career at Newcastle. Dyer had many controversial moments during his time at Newcastle United - none more so than his well publicised on pitch brawl with team-mate Lee Bowyer. This was at a time when Dyers career was starting to get hampered by constant injuries. A set of recurring hamstring problems had stalled Dyers career and he ended up moving to West Ham in 2007 after eight years at Tyneside for the same fee he signed for - £6m. Dyer was a pivotal member in Newcastles team who managed European qualification, but that is not what his time on Tyneside will be remembered for. He will be remembered for his attitude, his injuries and his flashy cars. Dyer seemed to calm down later in his career, but that was when he was spending more time on the physio table than on the pitch. Despite his injury problems, Dyer managed to notch up 33 caps for his country.
