10 Ultimate Cult Heroes Of Newcastle United In The Premier League Era

9. Shola Ameobi

Played for NUFC: 2000 - 2014

Appearances: 397, Goals: 79

Ameobi - otherwise known as the 'Mackem Slayer' or 'King Shola' - was the ultimate tester of patience during a 14-year playing stint with Newcastle. Arguably the most divisive character to ever play for the Club.

Supporters would regularly be left clenching their fists in frustration or open-mouthed in bewildered wonderment at Ameobi's feats in a black and white shirt, more often than not the former, but that is exactly what made him such a treasured cult hero for the Magpies. Complacency was always a primary issue for the Nigeria striker throughout his career at St James' Park and would regularly polarise opinion. But Shola always had a way of shrugging off the criticism levied towards him, usually with an important goal or heroic performance to keep us sweet for another week. It was impossible to hate him.

However, it is the seven goals against Sunderland, four short of the great Jackie Milburn's Tyne-Wear derby record, that will serve as his everlasting epitaph.