10 Underwhelming Newcastle Signings Who Became Cult Heroes

1. Antoine Sibierski

While most of these signings have incurred a desolate feeling of emptiness in supporters, as they pine for a supposedly higher calibre of player, it's rare to find a player who fuels a genuine feeling of rage. When Glenn Roeder delivered the signing of Manchester City reject Antoine Sibierski two hours before the close of the transfer deadline window in the summer of 2006, that is exactly what was emanating from a shocked Tyneside public.

With a profligate record of 76 goals in 281 games, some supporters took to the internet to label the signing an 'absolute disaster', 'a living nightmare' and 'very disappointing'. Lamenting the club's 'lack of ambition' and 'lack of youth products', the Geordie nation were simply failing to understand the reasoning behind the Frenchman's signature, considering a 34-year-old Andy Cole had been keeping him out of a poor Manchester City side.

''I had just left Manchester City and only heard bad things being said about me there. Some City fans were quick to criticise me and that's all I was thinking about when I signed for Glenn Roeder. I didn't have time to think about what the Newcastle supporters may or may not think. I was just so hurt by the reaction of the City fans. I didn't think too much about the fact that Newcastle fans were unhappy with my signing. After the first few days I felt it a little bit, but the feeling disappeared within a few days.'' - Antoine Sibierski, March 2007.

Sticking the proverbial two fingers up to the Man City supporters who gleefully mocked his exit and the Toon supporters who audibly groaned upon his arrival, Sibierski churned out several commendable performances for the Magpies, complimenting Nigerian hot-shot Obafemi Martins upfront during Michael Owen's lengthy absences. Plundering 22 goals between them in their debut season, the duo formed quite the partnership, with Sibierski's unspectacular selflessness endearing himself to the Tyneside faithful.

Perhaps it was because expectations couldn't get any lower following the Frenchman's arrival three months after Alan Shearer's retirement, but the bald-headed striker once labelled a 'lead balloon' enjoyed possibly the most fruitful and appreciated season of an ordinary career. Which other players belong on this list? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.