Newcastle: Ranking All Number 9’s From Premier League Era
5. Obafemi Martins
This entry may surprise some and will likely amuse others for all the wrong reasons, but a sympathetic reader may remember that Martins had the misfortune of following on from legend Alan Shearer as no. 9 - and then had to find space in a team also featuring misfiring duds Mark Viduka and Michael Owen. Injuries also plagued the Nigerian in his time at the club which saw a final return of 28 goals in 88 games. The strikers final season saw the club relegated with himself, Owen and Viduka all departing shortly after - Martins chipped in 8 goals. Not what is expected from a Newcastle no. 9. The much travelled 29 year old now plies his trade in the MLS with Seattle Sounders and will be remembered for his excessive goal celebrations (which werent frequent enough) rather than his lacklustre performances and time on the treatment table (all the more common).
