10 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Jack Colback

4. He's The First Outfield Player To Swap Wear For Tyne In 22 Years

Being the first player to bravely relocate from Wear to Tyne for the first time in 22 years places Colback in illustrious company alongside Paul Bracewell who was the last player to traverse enemy lines and he remains a highly-regarded figure at St James' Park to this day. Bracewell landed on Tyneside in the summer of 1992 in the early days of the Kevin Keegan revolution after rejecting new contract at Sunderland. Although his Red and White connection was used as a stick to beat him with the bruising midfielder quickly won over the Toon fans with a screamer on his debut against Southend and a series of imperious displays in the Magpies engine room. Colback's transition won't be as smooth and he needs a bright beginning under Pardew to get the capricious portion of the crowd on his side. He can't afford to be hesitant or bashful. Echoing the grit and determination exhibited by Bracewell will go some way to helping him achieve that. He's already shown plenty for the Mackems.