A somewhat strange and in many ways controversial addition to this list, Andy Carroll left Newcastle United for Liverpool in January 2011 - but a large proportion of Magpies fans would have him back at the club in a heartbeat. Born and bred in Gateshead, Carroll scored 17 goals as Newcastle won the Championship in 2009-10, before netting 11 times in 19 Premier League games the following season - using his 6ft 4in frame and huge physical presence to bully opposition defences. Adored by the Geordie faithful, he broke many supporters' hearts when he moved on January transfer deadline day in 2011 to Liverpool for an eye-watering £35million. Bought to replace Fernando Torres, who had left Anfield for Chelsea in a £50million deal, Carroll flew across to Merseyside on a helicopter supposedly provided by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in order to force the deal through - and this was seen as the ultimate betrayal by many Magpies fans. Now West Ham United forward Carroll could well make a return to St James' Park one day, and many supporters would welcome him with open arms, but until that day comes - if ever - then the England striker will remain a villain on his beloved Tyneside.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
